12-day fast, zero health updates: Jharkhand students question admin's silence
Students protesting against recruitment exam irregularities in Jharkhand on Thursday accused the Ranchi district administration of deliberately withholding the health details of Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on a hunger strike for 12 days. The protesters, who have been camping at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium for 20 days, said they were not being allowed to meet Mr. Mahto at the Sadar Hospital, where he is undergoing treatment.
Mr. Mahto, a leader of the Jharkhand Lok Kranti Morcha (JLKM), had written to the Ranchi civil surgeon on Wednesday night, seeking permission to return to the protest site. According to the students, no update on his health has been provided by the authorities, raising concerns among them.
"Why are the health details of JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto being kept under wraps after 12 days on fast, and why are we not allowed to meet him at Sadar Hospital?" asked one of the protesting students, who did not wish to be named.
Ramavtar Mahto, president of the JPSC-JSSC Abhyarthi Nyay Manch, accused the administration of deliberately cutting off access to Mr. Mahto and withholding his health updates to weaken the students' stir. He demanded that the health bulletin be made public and that family members and representatives of the protesters be permitted to meet the hunger striker.
The protest stems from alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). The students have been demanding a re-examination, a transparent inquiry into the irregularities, and action against those found responsible.
Mr. Mahto's hunger strike began 12 days ago in support of these demands. He was admitted to Sadar Hospital after his health deteriorated, according to earlier reports. However, the hospital administration has not issued any official health bulletin so far. The protesters say this lack of transparency is adding to their anxiety.
The Ranchi district administration has not yet responded to the allegations. The civil surgeon's office, which received Mr. Mahto's letter, has also not made a public statement. Repeated attempts to reach officials for a response were unsuccessful.
Legal experts note that while the administration has the discretion to manage public gatherings and ensure the welfare of protesters, it is also expected to maintain transparency in matters involving the health of a person on a fast. In similar cases in the past, courts and human rights bodies have stressed the importance of regular medical bulletins and family access.
Medical professionals say a fast beyond a certain duration poses serious health risks, including electrolyte imbalances, organ dysfunction, and cardiac complications. Regular updates are considered essential not only for the individual's well-being but also for maintaining public confidence in the administration's handling of such situations.
The students said their agitation would continue until their demands are met. They also appealed to the administration to treat Mr. Mahto's condition with the seriousness it deserves and to stop what they described as an attempt to suppress the movement through secrecy.
The development comes at a time when similar protests over public examination irregularities have been witnessed in other states. For now, the immediate concern remains the safety of Mr. Mahto and the need for the government to respond to the allegations of information being withheld.
