Delhi Police Crackdown on Jantar Mantar Student Protest Escalates

On July 20, thousands of students gathered at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and attempted to march to Parliament to demand accountability over a suspected NEET paper leak and broader failures in the education system. Delhi police erected barricades, used lathi‑charge and tear‑gas, and reported around 180 injuries among protesters and police personnel.

Youth Congress State General Secretary Almas Khan condemned the police action, saying, “Students may be silenced temporarily, but their questions cannot be detained,” and called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Meanwhile, a Hyderabadi student, Disha, flew alone to Delhi to join the demonstration, stating, “I am so scared, but I will manage somehow,” underscoring the personal resolve of participants.