Devendra Nath Mahto, a prominent leader of the Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM), was hospitalized on Monday following a nine-day hunger strike and participation in a student protest against alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations. The 62-year-old activist's blood sugar level dropped drastically, leaving him in critical condition at Ranchi Sadar Hospital. Mahto claimed to have been injured during a police lathi-charge near the Assembly while leading a march with protesters. Meanwhile, clashes between police and job aspirants occurred near the Jharkhand Assembly, resulting in injuries for several protesters and four policemen. The demonstrators were protesting alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and demanding comprehensive reforms in the functioning of the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC). They also sought cancellation of several recruitment examinations and an independent probe into the alleged irregularities. Despite numerous rounds of talks between the protesters and the government, a deadlock persists. Mahto vowed to continue the agitation, accusing the government of attempting to suppress the students' movement. The JLKM MLA, Jairam Mahto, questioned the police action against peaceful protesters.