Jharkhand JPSC-JSSC protests: Meet Devendra Nath Mahto, the student leader demanding CBI probe

Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, a member of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha, continues to lead a major youth protest in Ranchi over alleged irregularities in the 14th JPSC examination, JSSC-CGL and other recruitment tests. The agitation entered its 13th day on Thursday, with hundreds of students demanding a CBI probe and reforms in the state's recruitment agencies.

The indefinite sit-in at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium has seen growing intensity. As of Tuesday night, the number of participants in the hunger strike increased to six. The protesters have been raising slogans such as 'Order CBI probe in JPSC' and 'Long live Students Unity'. Some also shouted 'Shame on Hemant Soren', referring to the Chief Minister.

In a notable development, climate activist Sonam Wangchuk and CJP leader Abhijeet Dipke have expressed solidarity with the protesters. Asked whether he would support the agitation, Dipke said, "We will definitely go to Jharkhand; we will stand with them and support their every demand in the agitation."

Mahto, a resident of Ranchi district, has been involved in student activism for over a decade. He completed his postgraduate degree at Dr. Shyama Prasad Mukherjee University (DSPMU) in Ranchi. In 2024, he contested the Jharkhand Assembly Elections from the Tamar constituency on a Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha ticket but lost.

According to his election affidavit, Mahto holds postgraduate degrees in Sanskrit and Kurmali, and a Bachelor of Education (B.Ed.) degree from Hazaribagh. The affidavit lists 12 pending criminal cases, eight of which are described as serious. Charges have not been framed in these cases, and he has no criminal convictions.

The protesters are demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC examination, along with greater transparency and reforms in the commission and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission. They are also seeking an inquiry into exam irregularities by the CBI or an independent panel of retired High Court judges from outside the state.

Jivan Kumar, spokesperson for the JPSC, JSSC Reforms Manch, said that five protesters, including two women, began a hunger strike from Tuesday night to press for their demands. A core committee meeting is expected to decide on a 'Tiranga March' in support of the students' demands.

Chief Minister Hemant Soren stated that the reported question paper leaks are not just a state issue but a national concern. "The concerns of my young friends are an extremely serious matter for us. The alleged paper leaks are not just an issue of Jharkhand, but these have become a major national problem for the youth of many states across the country. Our government is working on this matter with complete seriousness," he wrote on X.

The Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) has also voiced support for the aspirants. JMM General Secretary Vinod Pandey said the government would form a high-level committee within one or two days to address the demands. "JMM stands with aspirants in their protest... Exemplary actions are going to be taken in 2-3 days on the basis of evidence," he added.