Ranchi: The agitation over alleged irregularities in Jharkhand recruitment examinations took a serious turn on Monday after JLKM leader Devendra Nath Mahto was rushed to Ranchi Sadar Hospital following a deterioration in his health. 

Mahto, who has been on a hunger strike for nine days demanding action over the alleged examination irregularities, joined a protest march by job aspirants despite his prolonged fast.

His condition worsened during the demonstration, following which he was taken to the hospital.

Doctors said his condition was critical, citing a drastic fall in his blood sugar levels. Nancy Priya, a medical officer at Ranchi Sadar Hospital, said Mahto was undergoing treatment in the emergency ward.

The protest also turned tense near the Jharkhand Assembly, where police and demonstrators clashed. Authorities used water cannons and tear gas to disperse the protesting job aspirants and also resorted to lathi-charge.

Several protesters and four policemen were injured during the confrontation, according to officials.

Pankaj Kumar, an aide accompanying Mahto at the hospital, alleged that the JLKM leader sustained injuries during the police action near the Assembly.

The protestors have been raising allegations of irregularities in recruitment examinations and demanding corrective measures from the state authorities. Mahto's nine-day hunger strike had become a focal point of the agitation, with his deteriorating health adding urgency to the ongoing standoff.

The latest developments have heightened tensions around the recruitment examination issue, with the confrontation near the Assembly and Mahto's hospitalisation marking a significant escalation in the protest.