{
  "id": 251670,
  "title": "Jharkhand student protest LIVE: Devendra Nath Mahto on Day 6 of hunger strike as protest continues",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/jharkhand-student-protest-live-devendra-nath-mahto-on-day-6-of-hunger",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-08-07T04:55:52.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Hindustan Times",
    "slug": "hindustan-times",
    "url": "https://www.hindustantimes.com/india-news/jharkhand-student-protest-live-jpsc-jssc-exam-paper-leak-devendra-mahato-hunger-strike-hemant-soren-cjp-dipke-news-101786074502044.html"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Jharkhand's student protest entered its sixth day, with student leader Devendra Nath Mahto refusing to break his hunger strike. Mahto is demanding the cancellation of state recruitment exams, a CBI investigation into irregularities, and strict action against those involved. Students are also seeking disclosure of category-wise cut-offs, OMR copies, and response sheets for transparency. The protest began at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi, where students demanded the resignation of Chief Minister Hemant Soren, labeling him \"unfit\" for office. The Jharkhand government reached out for talks, but students remain skeptical, stating they will deliberate on a delegation to communicate with the government. Congress leader Rahul Gandhi spoke to protesters, pledging to present their demands to the state government. Meanwhile, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah expressed hope that Soren would engage with the students to address their concerns. The Jharkhand Assembly has been adjourned until 12:30 pm on Friday, during which BJP leader Babulal Marandi called for a court-monitored CBI investigation into the alleged irregularities. Student leader Mahto alleged an \"insensitive attitude\" by the state government, emphasizing a need for a system where rigging and paper leaks are impossible.",
  "summary": "Protests in Jharkhand over alleged irregularities in state recruitment exams have entered their 14th day. Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto has been on a hunger strike for six days, calling out the Hemant Soren-led government over the issues. The protests, which began on July 25, have grown into one of Jharkhand's largest student-led movements in recent years.\n\nAccording to the Live Mint, an 11-member team has been formed to hold talks with the state government over the protesters' demands. The delegation includes eight students, one lawyer, and two technical experts. A five-member government panel, including ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Sudivya Kumar, is likely to interact with the protesters.\n\nThe protesters are demanding cancellation of the 14th JPSC Civil Services Preliminary Examination, an independent probe into alleged irregularities, and comprehensive reforms in the JPSC and JSSC. BJP MLAs have also staged a protest outside the Jharkhand Assembly, demanding a CBI probe into the alleged irregularities and accusing the government of \"selling\" the state's youths' future.",
  "key_points": [
    "Jharkhand student protest enters sixth day",
    "Devendra Nath Mahto leads hunger strike",
    "Protest demands cancellation of exams and CBI probe"
  ],
  "editors_take": "The ongoing student protest in Jharkhand signals a deepening rift between the state's youth and its government, with the latter facing mounting pressure to address allegations of exam irregularities and administrative transparency.",
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Times of India",
        "title": "Jharkhand protest day 14: Student shifted to hospital after health worsens",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/08/07/jharkhand-protest-day-14-student-shifted-to-hospital-after-health",
        "published": "2026-08-07T05:37:14.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}