Ranchi, August 15, 2026 (Yes Punjab News)
Amid an ongoing student agitation over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC) examinations, protesting students took out a Tiranga Yatra in Ranchi on Saturday to mark Independence Day.
The march began at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, where a large number of students gathered carrying the national flag and raising slogans in support of their demands.
Two students on hunger strike, Devendra Nath Mahto and Umme Habiba, also sought to participate in the march despite being admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital after their health deteriorated. Both were taken to the protest movement’s site in wheelchairs, according to the protesters.
A confrontation was reported between police personnel and students over the participation of Mahto and Habiba. Police and administrative officials prevented the two from leaving the hospital, citing concerns over their health.
Mahto alleged that police personnel stopped and manhandled him when he attempted to leave his hospital room to join the Tiranga Yatra. During a Facebook Live session, he further alleged that police also assaulted associates who were with him.
Mahto said that despite being on hunger strike for 14 days, he remained determined to raise students’ concerns and fight for their rights. He asserted that the students’ voices could not be suppressed.
Mahto has been an active participant in the student movement demanding an investigation into alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC examinations. He was admitted to Ranchi Sadar Hospital after his health deteriorated during the hunger strike and remains under treatment.
Habiba, who has been on hunger strike for 12 days, also came out of her hospital room in a wheelchair while carrying a copy of the Constitution, intending to join the march. Security personnel, however, did not allow her to leave the hospital premises.
The Tiranga Yatra at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium went ahead as planned, with students participating in the march and raising slogans in support of their demands.
The students have been protesting for 22 days, seeking an investigation into alleged examination irregularities and action against those responsible. The deadlock between the protesters and the government continues despite three rounds of talks.
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