Ranchi, Aug. 15 -- Student leader Devendra Nath Mahto on Saturday alleged that police stopped him from leaving Sadar Hospital to participate in an Independence Day Tiranga Yatra in Ranchi, claiming that he and his companions were "brutally beaten" when they tried to proceed to the flag-hoisting ceremony.

Mahto, who has been on an indefinite hunger strike for 14 days over alleged irregularities in recruitment examinations conducted by the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) and Jharkhand Staff Selection Commission (JSSC), said he had sought permission to leave the hospital and hoist the national flag at Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium.

"Today is a proud day for India. Today is Independence Day, and I wish to celebrate this glorious day...