NEET – Parliament Protest Over Exam Leak Turns Tense Amid Political Exchange
NEET – Demonstrators attempting to march towards Parliament over the alleged NEET examination paper leak clashed with security personnel in central Delhi on Monday, leaving several Delhi Police officers injured. The protest, organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), also triggered political reactions as opposition leaders criticised the government’s handling of the situation.
The gathering near Parliament Street escalated when protesters tried to move past police barricades. According to Delhi Police, some participants allegedly threw stones while officers were deployed to stop the march from reaching the Parliament complex. A police sub-inspector said security personnel stationed at the barricades came under stone-pelting during the confrontation, resulting in injuries to several officers.
Delhi Police Rejects Detention Claims
As the protest unfolded, rumours circulated on social media suggesting that CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke had been detained by Delhi Police. The police department quickly rejected those claims through its official social media account, stating that the reports were incorrect.
According to the police, Dipke had not been taken into custody and remained present at the protest venue. Officials described the online reports as misleading and urged the public not to rely on unverified information circulating across digital platforms.
CJP Clarifies Leader’s Status
Hours after initial allegations of detention surfaced, the Cockroach Janata Party also revised its position. The party’s chief spokesperson, Saurav Das, confirmed that Abhijeet Dipke had neither been arrested nor detained during the demonstration.
In an update shared on social media, Das said that Dipke was free and that supporters continued to gather outside Kerala House, where a large number of protesters remained assembled despite heightened security arrangements.
Opposition Raises Questions Over Police Action
The developments prompted sharp criticism from Leader of the Opposition in the Rajya Sabha, Mallikarjun Kharge, who accused the government of suppressing democratic protest. Referring to reports of police action against students, Kharge said the use of force against demonstrators reflected poorly on the government’s commitment to democratic values.
He also questioned the ruling administration over allegations related to the Shri Ram Janmabhoomi Teerth Kshetra Trust. Kharge argued that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should address concerns surrounding the trust because of his association with its formation, and he called for accountability over the reported financial irregularity claims.
Hunger Strike Ends After Appeal
Separately, Abhijeet Dipke concluded his indefinite hunger strike on Monday following an appeal from social activist Sonam Wangchuk. Dipke had begun the fast after Wangchuk was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital on July 18, when medical intervention became necessary during Wangchuk’s 21-day hunger strike.
The decision to end the protest fast marked a significant development amid the continuing campaign surrounding the alleged NEET paper leak and related demands raised by demonstrators.
Meeting Held With Union Health Minister
Even as protests continued in parts of the national capital, senior CJP representatives Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das met Union Health Minister JP Nadda to discuss issues linked to the controversy. While details of the discussions were not immediately made public, the meeting indicated that communication between the protesters and the central government had begun alongside the ongoing demonstrations.
The alleged NEET paper leak has remained a politically sensitive issue, prompting demands for greater transparency, accountability and stronger safeguards in the examination process. With protests continuing and political leaders weighing in, authorities are expected to maintain heightened security around key government locations while monitoring further developments.