Jharkhand Paper Leak: Devendra Mahato Ends 4-Day Hunger Strike After Sonam Wangchuk's Appeal

Published 5 August 2026 · local

News india Jharkhand Paper Leak: Devendra Mahato Ends 4-Day Hunger Strike After Sonam Wangchuk's Appeal Jharkhand Paper Leak: Devendra Mahato Ends 4-Day Hunger Strike After

News india Jharkhand Paper Leak: Devendra Mahato Ends 4-Day Hunger Strike After Sonam Wangchuk's Appeal Jharkhand Paper Leak: Devendra Mahato Ends 4-Day Hunger Strike After Sonam Wangchuk's Appeal Published By, Last Updated: August 05, 2026, 12:52 IST During a nearly 10-minute video call, Wangchuk expressed solidarity with the protesting students and voiced concern over Mahato's deteriorating health. Rapid Read Mahato is among six protesters who have launched an indefinite hunger strike as the agitation intensified ahead of the Jharkhand Assembly's Monsoon Session. Jharkhand Paper Leak: Jharkhand student activist Devendra Nath Mahato on Wednesday took water after an appeal from activist Sonam Wangchuk over a video call, ending his four-day water strike but continuing his protest over alleged irregularities in the JPSC, JSSC CGL and other competitive examinations. Mahato had been on an indefinite hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi since Sunday night, demanding action over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. Mahato is among six protesters who have launched an indefinite hunger strike as the agitation intensified ahead of the Jharkhand Assembly’s Monsoon Session. #WATCH | Ranchi, Jharkhand: Student leader and JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahato ended his indefinite hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. pic.twitter.com/4HHyP9Tyob— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2026 The student movement has also drawn support from Wangchuk, who recently concluded a 26-day hunger strike at Jantar Mantar in Delhi over the NEET paper leak controversy.

During a nearly 10-minute video call, Wangchuk expressed solidarity with the protesting students and voiced concern over Mahato’s deteriorating health. He urged the 33-year-old student leader to at least consume water while continuing the fight for the students’ demands. “… We have been on Satyagraha since July 25th; I sat on the indefinite hunger strike on August 2nd. I was extremely exhausted—it was a critical time… Papers have been leaking here for 26 years… Yesterday, the doctor warned that if I didn’t take water, I would have to be admitted to the hospital…" Mahato said. Wangchuk then said, “Please take some water; this is tantamount to suicide… You need some time, but it could be 2-3 weeks as well, and I hope that the government will understand and make the right decision." Following the conversation, Mahato agreed to take water. #WATCH | Ranchi, Jharkhand: Activist Sonam Wangchuk interacts with the Student leader Devendra Nath Mahato and asks about his health, who is sitting on an indefinite hunger strike at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in protest over alleged irregularities in the JPSC, JSSC CGL, and… pic.twitter.com/sDosFybsAW— ANI (@ANI) August 5, 2026 “I was not keeping well, but on Sonam Wangchuk ji’s request, I took water. I have pledged that the kind of support you extended to us at Jantar Mantar, we need the same support and presence here as well," Mahato said as quoted by news agency ANI.