Jharkhand protest: Mahto hails ‘historic win’; three protesters still on hunger strike as demand for CBI probe continues
Protesters in Jharkhand continue a hunger strike demanding a CBI probe into job exam irregularities, despite the state government canceling recruitment tests. The government has formed a committee to reform the recruitment process.
Why it matters
The protest highlights significant public frustration with government recruitment transparency and the efficacy of state-level administrative reforms.
Three of the six protesters — Rahul Kranti, Sabita Kumari and Rupesh Pal — continue their hunger strike as the agitation against the alleged job exam irregularities in Jharkhand enters its 25th day on Tuesday (August 18, 2026), even after Chief Minister Hemant Soren announced the cancellation of all recruitment tests, including the Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission-Combined Graduate Level (JSSC-CGL) examination, conducted by an outsourced agency since 2014.
Jharkhand Loktantrik Kranti Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Mahto ended his 16-day hunger strike around Monday midnight (August 17, 2026), soon after the State government’s announcement. Two protesters, Prem Nayak and Umme Habiba, also ended the fast.
Jharkhand protest LIVE updates - August 18, 2026
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