Student leader drinks water after Sonam Wangchuk's plea, vows to keep hunger strike alive

Devendra Nath Mahto broke his four-day fast by drinking water following a video appeal from activist Sonam Wangchuk, but said the hunger strike will continue until the Jharkhand government meets the protesters' demands.

Student organizer Devendra Nath Mahto, leading a hunger strike over suspected irregularities in Jharkhand Public Service Commission and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission recruitment tests, took water on the fourth day after a video conversation with climate activist Sonam Wangchuk. Wangchuk, who has previously backed student movements, urged Mahto to avoid a fatal outcome and pledged continued moral backing through remote contact.

Mahto accepted water and salt on the condition that Wangchuk keep supporting the cause until the demands are satisfied, while he will continue refusing food. Protesters, camped at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi since July 25, are demanding the cancellation of the 14th JPSC Combined Civil Services Preliminary Examination and a CBI investigation, as well as the release of OMR sheets. Chief Minister Hemant Soren said the government is reviewing the matter and will act within constitutional limits, while opposition figures have also called for a CBI probe. The state CID has seized evidence from multiple locations as part of its ongoing inquiry.