Now Reading: Doctors warn of seizure risk as Mahto’s hunger strike continues
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Doctors warn of seizure risk as Mahto’s hunger strike continues
Doctors at Ranchi’s Sadar Hospital said on Saturday that student leader Devendra Nath Mahto had an electrolyte imbalance, with sodium at 124 and ketone bodies in his urine, indicating starvation. Deputy superintendent…
The Story in Brief
Doctors at Ranchi’s Sadar Hospital said on Saturday that student leader Devendra Nath Mahto had an electrolyte imbalance, with sodium at 124 and ketone bodies in his urine, indicating starvation. Deputy superintendent Dr Bimlesh Kumar warned that exertion could cause seizures and said Mahto should not be discharged. The Times of India reports that Mahto has been fasting for 15 days, while Hindustan Times says the protest began on August 2 and is in its 14th day.
Mahto, leader of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha, alleged that police stopped and pushed him when he tried to join a Tiranga Yatra at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi. He said he would refuse treatment until allowed to leave. The hunger strike concerns alleged irregularities in JPSC and JSSC recruitment examinations. Chief Minister Hemant Soren said students’ work would not be left to corruption or exam mafias.
The Indian Opinion
The easy narratives are that police action alone proves repression, or that a hunger strike by itself proves every recruitment allegation. Neither conclusion follows from the available facts. Mahto’s health readings are serious, while the examination claims still require documented findings and accountable investigations. The immediate test is whether doctors can provide transparent treatment records and whether JPSC and JSSC publish a clear, time-bound review of the disputed exams.
Sources (2): hindustantimes.com, timesofindia.indiatimes.com
This story was synthesised by AI from the 2 sources linked above.
Updated: this story now draws on 2 sources.
