Following the end of activist Devendra Mahto’s indefinite fast on Monday evening, fellow student demonstrators in Ranchi also halted their protest. The action followed the state government’s decision to annul results of all competitive examinations held by testing agency TDPL since 2014 and to introduce reforms.
A section of the demonstrators stated they would maintain pressure until their primary demand for a CBI investigation into the cancelled tests is fulfilled.
In response to the announcement, Mahto called for legislation to prevent any student from being defrauded. He stressed that such measures should be enacted in the assembly to protect examinees and ensure government accountability.
Mahto noted that the demands pursued through constitutional and peaceful means had been addressed, leading to suspension of the agitation. On the sixteenth day of the fast, participants concluded the action with dignity, acknowledging the role of Health Minister Irfan Ansari, Minister Dipika Pandey and MLA Jairam Mahato in facilitating resolution.
He clarified that the wider campaign for systemic changes would persist. Mahto expressed appreciation to the state government, Chief Minister Hemant Soren and Congress leader Rahul Gandhi for the decision to cancel examinations conducted since 2014.
The move was described as significant because appointment processes for certain posts had already concluded, amid competing claims from candidates.
Student leaders emphasised that their request for a CBI probe into the JSSC-CGL and TDPL examinations remains outstanding. Piyush Kumar described the cancellation as only an initial measure, while Ravindra Paswan welcomed the decision yet urged a central investigation. Paswan indicated that students would assess the official notification before determining further steps.
Chief Minister Hemant Soren declared that all examinations and results issued through TDPL are cancelled and that the Crime Investigation Department will examine tests conducted since 2014.
The announcement followed sustained demonstrations at Ranchi’s Jaipal Singh Munda Ground concerning alleged irregularities and paper leaks in recruitment processes.
Minister Irfan Ansari confirmed that student leaders Devendra Mahto, Umme Habiba and Rahul Kranti voluntarily ended their fast after acceptance of their demands. The leaders received medical checks confirming normal health indicators before discharge.
Demonstrators at the site reacted with slogans and expressions of relief. Umme Habiba and Rahul Kranti also concluded their protest at Sadar Hospital in the presence of ministers.
The agitation had begun on July 25 at Vapu Batika Ground over concerns about irregularities in the JSSC-CGL and related recruitments.
