India's NEET exam paper leak prompts student protests and government crackdown
Prime Minister Narendra Modi told a National Democratic Alliance parliamentary meeting that the government acted swiftly after reports of a NEET‑UG 2026 paper leak, arresting 13 suspects, holding a re‑examination and pledging the toughest possible punishment. Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju reiterated the actions, calling the leak a "national concern" and urging coordinated state‑centre efforts to safeguard the youth's future.
The leak sparked mass protests organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which marched towards Parliament demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Delhi police responded with tear‑gas and lathi‑charges, injuring over a hundred officers and prompting criticism from opposition leaders and celebrities such as Sonu Sood, Diljit Dosanjh, and several Bollywood actors, who called for empathy and dialogue.
Other political figures, including Kerala tourism minister P.C. Vishnunath, were detained during the demonstrations, and medical bodies demanded accountability from the National Testing Agency. The episode has highlighted concerns over examination integrity, student safety and the handling of public protests in India.