Ranchi Protest: Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto consumes water on Fourth day of his fast following Sonam Wangchuk’s appeal

August 5, 2026

Devendra Nath Mahto, who was on a hunger strike to protest against alleged irregularities in the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC), Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), and various other competitive examination consumed water on fourth day to ease his strict waterless fast. He accepted water after a live phone conversation with social activist Sonam Wangchuk.

What did Devendra Nath Mahto say?
Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto said, “We have been staging a *Satyagraha* since July 25. I began an indefinite hunger strike on August 2. I was utterly exhausted, and the situation had become critical. Question papers have been leaking here for 26 years. Yesterday, a doctor warned that I would have to be hospitalized if I did not drink water.”

देश के प्रख्यात इनोवेटर श्री सोनम वांगचुक सर से वीडियो कॉल से सीधे संवाद करने का अवसर।
उन्होंने हमारे आंदोलन के प्रति अपना बहुमूल्य मार्गदर्शन, प्रेरणादायी विचार एवं हौसला प्रदान किया। उनके आग्रह पर हमने जल ग्रहण किया। साथ ही, उनसे रांची आकर आंदोलनरत छात्रों का मनोबल बढ़ाने का… pic.twitter.com/qktmMyfTtQ

— Devendra Nath Mahto (@DevendraNathMa9) August 5, 2026

What did Devendra Nath Mahto say?
Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto said, “We have been staging a Satyagraha since July 25. I began an indefinite hunger strike on August 2. I was utterly exhausted, and the situation had become critical. Question papers have been leaking here for 26 years. Yesterday, a doctor warned that I would have to be hospitalized if I did not drink water.”

Social activist Sonam Wangchuk held a live phone conversation with student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who was on an indefinite hunger strike at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium.

Later, Devendra Nath Mahto wrote in a post on X, “I had the opportunity to interact directly via video call with the country’s renowned innovator, Sonam Wangchuk Sir. He offered valuable guidance, inspiring thoughts, and encouragement for our movement. At his urging, I consumed water. I also humbly requested him to visit Ranchi and boost the morale of the protesting students.”

Devendra Mahto had been on a hunger strike to protest against alleged irregularities in the JPSC, JSSC-CGL, and other competitive examinations.