Jharkhand: Devendra Nath Mahto Stopped From Joining Tiranga Yatra in Ranchi, Scuffle With Police

August 15, 2026

Ranchi: Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader and student activist Devendra Nath Mahto was allegedly stopped by police from leaving Ranchi’s Sadar Hospital to participate in a Tiranga Yatra at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium on Saturday, leading to a scuffle between him and police personnel.

Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations, was admitted to Sadar Hospital on August 10 following the protests in Ranchi.

The incident occurred as students protesting alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) organised a Tiranga Yatra at the stadium on Independence Day.

Police Stop Mahto From Leaving Hospital

Mahto had expressed his desire to participate in the Tiranga Yatra and hoist the national flag at the protest site.

According to reports, heavy police deployment was made outside his hospital room after he indicated that he wanted to join the programme. When he attempted to leave, police personnel stopped him, leading to a confrontation.

Videos from the hospital showed Mahto and police personnel involved in a tussle as he tried to leave the premises. He was subsequently prevented from proceeding to the stadium.

Mahto later alleged that he suffered a chest injury during the pushing and shoving. He questioned why he was being prevented from participating in a peaceful Tricolour march on Independence Day.

Mahto Questions ‘Freedom’ on Independence Day

Before the confrontation, Mahto had questioned the police deployment outside his hospital room and asked whether people were free to participate in a Tiranga Yatra and hoist the national flag.

He said he wanted to participate in the programme peacefully despite his health condition.

Mahto has been on an indefinite hunger strike since August 2 over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand’s recruitment examinations. The protest has continued at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, which has emerged as a major protest site for JPSC and JSSC aspirants.

The students have been demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and greater transparency in the recruitment process.

The incident on Independence Day has drawn attention after videos of the confrontation at the hospital surfaced, with Mahto alleging that he was prevented from exercising his right to participate in the Tiranga Yatra.