Education – Delhi Protest Over NEET Issue Sparks Tension Near Parliament March
Education – Hundreds of students and supporters assembled at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Monday to press ahead with their planned “Chalo Sansad” march, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over allegations linked to the NEET paper leak controversy. The gathering led to a tense situation after police prevented protesters from advancing toward Parliament, resulting in confrontations at several barricaded points.
Security Tightened Across Central Delhi
Authorities deployed extensive security arrangements throughout the New Delhi district to manage the demonstration. Multiple layers of barricades were placed around Jantar Mantar and nearby roads to restrict movement toward high-security areas. Police officials monitored the growing crowd as more participants continued to arrive throughout the day, prompting additional security measures in the vicinity.
Students Raise Slogans During Demonstration
Images from the protest site showed large groups of students carrying flags and raising slogans while expressing their concerns over the handling of the alleged examination irregularities. Many demonstrators attempted to move beyond the security barriers in an effort to continue their march toward Parliament. Police personnel repeatedly intervened to stop the movement and maintain public order.
Confrontation Reported at Barricades
A heavy police presence remained in place throughout the protest, with riot control units positioned near the venue as a precaution. Reports from the ground indicated that security personnel used force to prevent protesters from crossing restricted areas. During the confrontation, a lathi charge was also reported after tensions escalated between demonstrators and law enforcement officials.
March Gains Momentum as More Participants Arrive
Groups of students gathered near Mandi House Metro Station before proceeding toward Jantar Mantar, where they joined the ongoing demonstration. As additional protesters reached the venue, the crowd expanded significantly, adding momentum to the planned march and increasing pressure on security agencies managing the situation.
Precautionary Measures Affect Public Movement
Officials imposed traffic and security restrictions around the protest zone to prevent any disruption near Parliament. Patel Chowk Metro Station, located close to the demonstration site, was reportedly closed as a precaution to regulate movement in the area. Security agencies also stationed additional personnel at strategic locations to ensure that protesters did not enter restricted zones.
Protesters Report Connectivity Issues
Some participants claimed that mobile phone services were affected around the protest venue. According to those present, signal jammers had been deployed by authorities in and around Jantar Mantar as part of the security arrangements, leading to temporary disruptions in mobile connectivity for people attending the demonstration.
Protest Continues Over NEET Paper Leak Allegations
The demonstration at Jantar Mantar has continued for more than a month, with protesters maintaining their demand for the resignation of the Union Education Minister. They argue that greater accountability is needed over allegations surrounding the NEET paper leak and have called for stronger safeguards to ensure fairness and transparency in the examination system.
Police remained on alert throughout the day as demonstrators continued raising slogans and attempting to move toward Parliament. With heightened security still in place across central Delhi, authorities closely monitored developments to prevent any further escalation while maintaining law and order.