New Delhi: Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) founder Abhijeet Dipke has condemned the alleged police lathi-charge on protesting students in Jharkhand and expressed solidarity with student leader Devendra Nath Mahto, who is currently undergoing treatment in hospital.
According to a statement issued by the CJP, Dipke spoke to Mahto through a video call while the student leader was receiving medical care. The party claimed that Mahto had been on a hunger strike for nine days before the police action and that his health deteriorated following the incident.
Mahto hospitalised after protest
The CJP alleged that Mahto suffered severe chest pain and multiple injuries during the police action and was subsequently placed on oxygen support.
The student leader is associated with the Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) and has been involved in protests over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted in Jharkhand.
During the video call, Mahto reportedly briefed Dipke about the police action and the circumstances that led to his hospitalisation, according to the CJP statement.
Dipke criticised the use of force against the protesting students and said such action could not be justified, whether against students protesting in Jharkhand or at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar.
CJP demands independent probe
Dipke called for an independent investigation into the police action and demanded accountability from officials who ordered the alleged lathi-charge.
The CJP said peaceful student movements should not be suppressed through force and maintained that the protesters were raising concerns over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations.
The student protests have been linked to demands for an independent investigation into alleged irregularities in examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
Protest near Jharkhand Assembly
The latest confrontation occurred when protesting students marched towards the Jharkhand Assembly carrying the national flag and placards outlining their demands.
According to reports, police used water cannons and tear gas as the situation escalated near the Assembly. Several protesters, including women, and four police personnel were reportedly injured.
The protesters have demanded an independent inquiry, either through a committee headed by retired judges from outside Jharkhand or through the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
Dipke has reiterated his support for the student movement and described Mahto as a leading voice in the fight for accountability in recruitment examinations.