Ranchi: Protests over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations intensified on Monday, with protesters and police clashing near the state Assembly. The BJP has called for a statewide bandh on August 11 in protest against the police lathi-charge on demonstrators.
JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who had been on a hunger strike for the past nine days demanding action over the alleged recruitment irregularities, was admitted to hospital after his health deteriorated. His blood sugar levels reportedly dropped sharply and he is currently undergoing treatment in the emergency care unit of Ranchi Sadar Hospital, medical officer Nancy Priya said.
Mahto’s aide Pankaj Kumar was also injured in the police lathi-charge near the Assembly and is receiving treatment.
The JPSC-JSSC Reform Forum had planned to march towards the Assembly as part of its protest. Organisers had initially assured authorities that the demonstration would remain peaceful. However, some protesters allegedly pelted stones at police personnel, Ranchi City SP Paras Rana said.
Three to four police personnel were injured in the stone-pelting, police said. Two personnel sustained head injuries that required stitches, while others were injured when protesters pushed through barricades, officials added.
Despite heavy security arrangements, protesters managed to reach the restricted area near the Assembly, leading to heightened tension in the state.
The developments are likely to further intensify the agitation over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations in Jharkhand, with political parties stepping up pressure on the state government.
