The Jharkhand exam stir intensified in Ranchi after JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto was admitted to hospital following a major student march toward the state Assembly. Aspirants protesting alleged JPSC and JSSC recruitment irregularities are seeking greater transparency and a CBI investigation.
Mahto ill after nine-day hunger strike
Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha leader Devendra Nath Mahto was hospitalised after participating in Monday’s protest while continuing a hunger strike that had entered its ninth day. Reports said his health deteriorated following the demonstration, which drew large numbers of government job aspirants to Ranchi.
Mahto had joined the protest despite his condition and was reportedly taken toward the demonstration on a stretcher. He later alleged that he was injured during police action and complained of chest pain. Cockroach Janta Party founder Abhijeet Dipke said on social media that he spoke with Mahto through a video call after the protest and expressed support for his campaign.
Ranchi march brings protesters near Assembly
The agitation escalated when JPSC and JSSC aspirants organised a Vidhan Sabha Gherao march toward the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly. The protesters have been raising concerns over alleged irregularities, paper leaks and a lack of transparency in government recruitment examinations. They are demanding stronger accountability and a CBI investigation into the allegations.
Police blocked the march near the Assembly as protesters attempted to move past barricades. The situation became tense, with authorities using water cannons, tear gas and batons to disperse sections of the crowd. Reports said injuries were recorded among protesters as well as security personnel.
JPSC row keeps recruitment concerns in focus
The Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission conduct recruitment processes for government posts in the state, making examination transparency a major concern for thousands of aspirants. JPSC’s official portal currently lists multiple recruitment exercises, including the Jharkhand Combined Civil Services Examination 2025 under Advertisement No. 01/2026.
Protesters argue that alleged irregularities threaten the credibility of recruitment and disadvantage candidates who spend years preparing for competitive examinations. The demand for an independent investigation has consequently become one of the central points of the latest student mobilisation in Ranchi.
CJP aid adds support to Mahto protest
Dipke publicly backed Mahto following their video conversation and criticised the alleged use of force against protesting students. He described Mahto as a strong voice for aspirants and said his organisation stood with the ongoing struggle. CJP representatives had also taken part in student-led protests over examination concerns in recent weeks.
The Ranchi confrontation has now pushed the recruitment dispute further into the political spotlight. With aspirants continuing to press for an investigation and accountability, the response of the Jharkhand government and examination authorities will determine whether the agitation eases or develops into a broader statewide movement.
