Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto ended his 16-day hunger strike at Ranchi’s Sadar Hospital on August 17 after the Jharkhand government cancelled the JSSC-CGL examination and all tests handled by TSR Data Processing Private Limited. Mahto, a key figure in the student protests over alleged irregularities in state recruitment exams, broke his fast alongside ministers Dipika Pandey Singh and Irfan Ansari. The move followed a special cabinet meeting called by Chief Minister Hemant Soren, which also addressed broader concerns about recruitment processes. The decision came after weeks of demonstrations, negotiations, and marches. Mahto stated that while he was suspending his fast, his push for reforms would continue. He described the outcome as a major win for students and thanked the chief minister, Rahul Gandhi, ministers, fellow protesters, media, and activists. He noted the agitation began on July 2 and called for a thorough CID probe that holds all responsible parties accountable. Mahto urged structural changes, including stronger laws against paper leaks and full monitoring and auditing of exams. Two other protesters, Umme Habiba and Rahul Kranti, also ended their strikes. Habiba highlighted remaining demands such as dropping legal cases against demonstrators, lifting a suspension, and resolving the CID case. Minister Irfan Ansari confirmed the three had normal vital signs after medical checks.
