- On August 10, about 50,000 students participated in a protest in Ranchi, which was described as a "historic gathering" by student leader Ravindra Paswan.
- Protesters alleged lathicharges on students and media personnel during the march, with police using tear gas shells and water cannons to disperse the crowd.
- The protest marks the 11th day of Devendra Nath Mahto's hunger strike, who continues despite being hospitalised, pressing for demands related to alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment exams.
- While Mahto remains hospitalised at Sadar Hospital after the 'Vidhan Sabha Gherao' march, student leaders at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium have warned of a broader mass movement if demands are not met.
- The students are protesting over alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC exams, demanding cancellation of the JSSC-CGL exam, a CBI probe, and comprehensive reforms.
- Paswan condemned the action as "barbarism" and noted a "moral lack" on the part of the state government, questioning the absence of women police personnel.
- Student leader Piyush Kumar accused the administration of lathicharging students and media, and warned of strong steps if demands are not met, while remaining open to talks.
- Paswan alleged that police initially cooperated but changed after 5 pm, using batons to remove students, and suggested pressure from above.
Student leader Ravindra Paswan reported that approximately 50,000 students participated in a protest in Ranchi on August 10, demanding accountability for alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
The protest, organized by the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM), coincided with the 11th day of a hunger strike by leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who remains hospitalized after participating in the march. Mahto's health has deteriorated, yet he continues to advocate for the rights of lakhs of affected students.
Tensions escalated as police employed tear gas and water cannons to disperse the crowd, leading to allegations of lathicharges against both students and media personnel. Paswan noted that police initially cooperated but changed tactics after 5 pm, suggesting possible pressure from higher authorities.
Paswan condemned the police's actions, stating, “Such barbarism cannot be unleashed on students.” He criticized the lack of warnings before the police response and called for accountability, emphasizing that the protest was peaceful until the police intervention.
Student leader Piyush Kumar echoed these sentiments, asserting that the administration's use of force against students and media was unacceptable. He stated, “We are ready for talks even now, but it doesn't mean that there should be a barbaric lathicharge on students.” The students are demanding a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities and comprehensive reforms in the recruitment process.
“Devendra Nath Mahto's hunger strike entered its 11th day on August 12, continuing from hospital after the 'Vidhan Sabha Gherao' march. Student leader Piyush Kumar accused police of hitting women protesters and media, demanding a CBI probe and cancellation of the JSSC-CGL exam.”
