Devendra Mahto at Ranchi Sadar Hospital
NEW DELHI: Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha leader Devendra Nath Mehto is suffering from an electrolyte imbalance, doctors at Sadar Hospital in Ranchi said on Saturday, expressing concern over the health condition of the student leader, who has been on a hunger strike for 15 days.While briefing about Mahto’s health, Dr Amrita said that his sodium level had dropped to 124 and ketone bodies had been detected in his urine, indicating starvation.The doctor said that Mahto had refused to take fluids, although he continued to drink water.“First, there is Devendra Nath Mahto, who has not eaten for 15 days. He is refusing to take fluids, though he is drinking water. An electrolyte imbalance has been detected in him. Reports show his sodium level is 124, and ketone bodies are present in his urine, indicating starvation,” Dr Amrita said.Addressing the press conference, she also shared the health condition of other hunger strikers admitted to the hospital.“Next is Umme Habiba. Ketone bodies have been found in her urine as well. Her blood pressure is being maintained due to fluid transfusions. Then there is Rahul Kranti. Ketone bodies have been found in his urine too, at a ‘3+’ level, and his blood pressure is currently being maintained solely through fluid transfusions,” she said.This comes after Mahto alleged that police repeatedly “jostled and stopped” him from participating in a Tiranga Yatra at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium in Ranchi.In a post on X, Mahto said, “The police repeatedly jostled and stopped me. Eventually, I sat down right outside the door of my room. I will remain seated here until I am allowed to leave. I will not undergo medical treatment either.”“I will stay right here and voice my position. My fight is for the rights of the people and for justice. My voice cannot be suppressed by stopping me,” he added.Responding to the allegations, Sadar Hospital Deputy Superintendent Dr Bimlesh Kumar also reiterated concerns over Mahto’s health and said that doctors had advised Mahto against seeking discharge and urged him to remain at the hospital for necessary treatment.
Share your thoughts in the comments
Be respectful · TOI community guidelines
“The situation right now involves a significant electrolyte imbalance; sodium is at 124, and potassium is also low. If the patient exerts themselves in this condition, there is a risk of seizures or similar complications. Under these circumstances, we simply cannot discharge the patient,” Dr Kumar said.“That is why we have advised against discharge, and we believe he should understand this; discharging him now would lead to serious problems. For the time being, we have advised him to stay here and allow the necessary medical treatment to proceed… his condition does not permit us to let them leave or discharge him. Given the clear signs and symptoms of starvation, we simply cannot discharge the patient in this condition under any circumstances,” he added.Thousands of students and aspirants are protesting over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC).
