Education – Opposition Questions Police Response After Student Protest in Delhi
Education – The political debate over the handling of student demonstrations in the national capital intensified after Leader of the Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi criticized the Union Government and the Delhi Police over the events that unfolded during the July 20 protest. The demonstration was organized by students demanding stronger action against examination paper leaks and greater transparency in the recruitment and examination process. Rahul Gandhi alleged that the authorities responded with excessive force instead of addressing the concerns raised by young aspirants seeking fair opportunities.
Rahul Gandhi Raises Concerns Over Police Action
In a post shared on X, Rahul Gandhi referred to the reported injuries suffered by a student identified as Sahil. Along with the message, he posted a video in which the young protester was seen after the incident. According to Gandhi, Sahil had been carrying the Indian national flag while demanding a fair examination system and equal opportunities based on merit. He alleged that the student was seriously injured after police personnel used pellet rounds during the protest.
The Congress leader stated that students asking for clean and transparent examinations should receive justice rather than forceful action. He described the incident as an example of what he called the government’s harsh treatment of peaceful protesters and urged authorities to safeguard the rights of young citizens.
Police Report Injuries During Demonstration
Delhi Police presented a different account of the confrontation, stating that a large number of officers were injured while managing the protest. According to official information, more than 118 police personnel sustained injuries during clashes with demonstrators. Those affected included senior officials ranging from Special Commissioner of Police to Assistant Commissioner of Police, as well as several women police personnel deployed at the protest site.
Authorities also confirmed that around 60 protesters suffered injuries during the confrontation. The incident has triggered renewed debate over crowd management practices and the use of force during public demonstrations.
Government Moves to Tighten Anti-Paper Leak Law
Amid continuing concerns over examination integrity, the Union Cabinet approved proposed amendments to the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The changes are intended to strengthen legal measures against paper leaks and examination-related malpractice.
Sources indicated that the amendment Bill is expected to be introduced in Parliament on July 27. The proposed legal changes come as the issue of examination security continues to dominate public discussion following the NEET-UG controversy and repeated protests by students across different parts of the country.
Prime Minister Promises Stronger Measures
In a video message released on X, Prime Minister Narendra Modi assured citizens that the government would adopt stricter measures against those involved in paper leak cases. He said the proposed legislative changes were aimed at improving the credibility of public examinations and ensuring that deserving candidates receive fair opportunities.
The Prime Minister also stated that the Union Cabinet had considered a draft proposal designed to strengthen the legal framework against examination fraud. His remarks came as demonstrations related to the NEET-UG issue continued in several locations.
Sonam Wangchuk Ends Hunger Strike
Social activist Sonam Wangchuk concluded his 26-day hunger strike at Medanta Hospital after receiving a written assurance from the Union Government regarding examination-related reforms. Union Ministers JP Nadda and Jitendra Singh were present when the fast ended.
According to available information, the government assured Wangchuk that concerns linked to the NEET examination and broader reforms in India’s competitive examination system would receive attention. The development marked another significant step in the ongoing national discussion on improving transparency, accountability, and public confidence in competitive examinations.