The 80th Independence Day turned out to be a day of confrontation between the cops and Jharkhand Loktantrik Krantikari Morcha (JLKM) leader Devendra Nath Mahto in Ranchi. 

The confrontation took place inside Ranchi Sadar Hospital as Devendra Nath Mahto tried to leave the premises to participate in a Tiranga Yatra taken out by Jharkhand student protesters on the occasion of Independence Day.

In a video from Ranchi's Sadar Hospital, Mahto - with a Tricolour in his hand, a Tricolour scarf around his neck, and a Tricolour bandana on his forehead - was seen engaged in a tussle with police officials who stopped him from going out.

"I have been stopped from unfurling the Tricolour. I had given an undertaking that I would leave on my own responsibility and the hospital administration would not be liable for my health. Even then, I was stopped forcefully," Mahto told media persons amid the commotion.

Earlier in the day, Mahto said that heavy police deployment could be witnessed outside Sadar hospital room after he expressed a desire to join the Tiranga march today.

"After expressing my desire to participate in the flag hoisting and Tiranga March organised at the protest site, Jaipal Singh Munda Stadium, a heavy police force has been deployed outside my room in Sadar Hospital. What kind of freedom is this, after all? Are we not even free to hoist the Tricolour and participate in the Tiranga March in our own country? Despite the difficult circumstances, I want to join this program in a peaceful manner," Mahto posted on X.

Mahto's supporters also engaged in a heated argument and physical altercation with the police as they tried to take Mahto out for the Tiranga Yatra.