Stopped from leaving hospital for Independence Day event, says Jharkhand protest leader Mahato

Jharkhand protest leader Mahato claims he was denied permission to leave Ranchi's Sadar Hospital on Independence Day to join students protesting at the Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium. He alleges he had been under police watch for four days and that his hunger strike had already lasted two weeks. Mahato submitted a request to hospital authorities on August 12, stating his hunger strike had "completed many days" and he wished to continue his "just struggle" against alleged corruption in the JPSC-JSSC recruitment process.

He wrote in the letter that being absent from the protest site was causing him more mental distress than physical discomfort. However, the administration insists Mahato was not detained but asked to prioritize his health before leaving. Mahato had offered to take responsibility for his own health while leaving the hospital, yet was still barred from attending the Independence Day flag-hoisting ceremony.