Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), consumed water on the fourth day of his fast on Wednesday, 5 August, in Ranchi. Mahto said he broke his water fast following a video call from climate activist Sonam Wangchuk, who personally urged him to do so — though the hunger strike and satyagraha will continue.

Wangchuk's Intervention

According to Mahto, Wangchuk expressed solidarity with the students' movement during the video call, offering guidance, encouragement, and praise for the peaceful democratic nature of the protest. Mahto also extended an invitation to Wangchuk to visit Ranchi in person to boost the morale of the agitating students. The intervention by a nationally recognised activist lends fresh visibility to what has been a largely state-level agitation.

Key Demands of the Protesters

The agitation, now in its 12th day, is being held at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi. Students are demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination, a CBI probe into alleged malpractice in the JPSC and JSSC-CGL examinations, public release of OMR sheets and answer scripts from the main examinations, and comprehensive reforms in the state's recruitment agencies. A faction of protesters has warned they will gherao the Jharkhand Assembly on 6 August if the government fails to act concretely on these demands.

Government's Response

Chief Minister Hemant Soren broke his silence on Tuesday, stating that his government was sensitive to students' concerns and committed to ensuring justice. Soren said the government was examining the matter seriously and that an appropriate decision would be taken within the constitutional framework once reports from investigating agencies were received. He asserted that his government was determined to resolve the issue once and for all — though no specific timeline or concrete step was announced.

Investigation and Opposition Pressure

The state's Criminal Investigation Department (CID), which is probing the alleged examination irregularities, has conducted raids at multiple locations across Jharkhand. Officials reportedly seized laptops, mobile phones, bank documents, carbon copies of OMR sheets, and other materials relevant to the investigation. The examination of seized evidence is currently underway.

The opposition has sharpened its attack on the ruling dispensation. Leader of Opposition Babulal Marandi and several Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders have demanded a CBI investigation, strict action against officials found guilty, and immediate acceptance of the students' demands. This comes amid a broader national conversation about examination integrity following controversies in other public recruitment processes this year.