Jharkhand Agriculture Minister Shilpi Neha Tirkey on Wednesday visited Sadar Hospital in Ranchi and took stock of the health of student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations. The minister also held discussions on issues related to the ongoing student movement and the protesters’ demands.

Mahto, who is currently undergoing treatment at the hospital, has sought permission from the Civil Surgeon to visit the Satyagraha site at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, where students and youth have been continuing their protest.

In a letter to the Civil Surgeon, Mahto said that while his body was receiving treatment on a hospital bed, his “soul and resolve” remained at the Satyagraha site. He said the indefinite hunger strike had entered its 11th day.

Meanwhile, the health condition of four student protesters admitted to Sadar Hospital remains stable, officials said. The protesters are demonstrating against alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.

The health condition of four student protesters who were on hunger strike over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations and are undergoing treatment at Sadar Hospital here is stable, officials said on Wednesday. A core committee member of the JPSC-JSSC Reforms Manch said two protesters, Habiba and Rahul Kranti, were admitted on Tuesday and on August 7, respectively.

“The health condition of all four students is stable. Check-ups and regular monitoring of their health are being done periodically,” the deputy superintendent of Sadar Hospital said.

He said Mahto was still fasting, but his health condition was stable, while Kranti was taking a liquid diet.

Mahto has been on hunger strike for the past 11 days to protest alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.

He was admitted to the hospital on Monday after his health deteriorated following his participation in a march to the Jharkhand Assembly in Ranchi by agitating students.

(With PTI inputs)