Ranchi: Hospitalised student leader Devendra Nath Mahto Saturday attempted to join the Tringa Yatra organised by the students in Ranchi, but was stopped by police officials. Video clips of Mahto’s tussle with the police and armed forces officers were widely shared on social media. Now, a doctor has said that an electrolyte imbalance has been detected in the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha leader.
“First, there is Devendra Nath Mahto, who has not eaten for 15 days,” said Dr Amrita, who works at Sadara Hospital, Ranchi. “He is refusing to take fluids, though he is drinking water. An electrolyte imbalance has been detected in him. Reports show his sodium level is 124, and ketone bodies are present in his urine, indicating starvation.”
Normal sodium levels in the blood range between 135 and 145 millimoles. A blood sodium level of 124 millimoles is considered severe or moderately severe.
Mahto was admitted to Sadara Hospital on 10 August after he joined the Vidhansabha Gherao on a stretcher and was injured during the ensuing clashes with the police forces.
The student leader sought to join the Tiranga Yatra Saturday but wasn’t allowed to leave by the police.
“I want to go with my own wishes. I have written this letter saying that even if I die, the hospital won’t be responsible. I want to hoist the flag. Do I not have any right to live freely? All the preparations have been made because they are not letting me go,” Mahto told the press.
He also had a question for fellow citizens.
“We talk about freedom—freedom from injustice, freedom from oppression. Whether you are poor or rich, we talk about freedom for everyone… I would like to ask the people of India: Where is freedom? Is freedom only for those in power?” he asked.
Health updates of other student leaders
The doctor shared updates on other student leaders as well.
“Next is Umme Habiba. Ketone bodies have been found in her urine as well. Her blood pressure is being maintained due to fluid transfusions. Then there is Rahul Kranti. Ketone bodies have been found in his urine too, at a ‘3+’ level, and his blood pressure is currently being maintained solely through fluid transfusions,” Dr Amrita added.
Mahto has been on an indefinite hunger strike for the last 14 days, while students have been protesting in Ranchi for 18 days over alleged paper leaks, irregularities, and cheating in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
Three rounds of talks have been held between student representatives and the Jharkhand government. Following the discussions, the government has agreed to some of the students’ demands, including cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services examination and two other exams. It has also agreed to investigate examinations conducted by TSR Data Processing Pvt Ltd (TDPL).
The government has said that the allegations will be investigated by the state CID, promising further action, including an ED probe, if required.
However, the students continue to demand the cancellation of the recent JSSC Combined Graduate Level (CGL) examination and a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI). They have said they do not have confidence in a state-level investigation and want an independent central agency to investigate the alleged irregularities across the recruitment examinations.
(Edited by Prasanna Bachchhav)
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