New Delhi: The agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak entered a new phase as the Union government combined political outreach with administrative action, even as protests expanded across the country and multiple investigations gathered pace.
After prolonged negotiations, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) said the Union government had agreed in principle to provide compensation to the families of students who died by suicide and to withdraw FIRs registered against peaceful protesters. However, the organisation maintained that it would accept nothing less than the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and gave the government 24 hours to respond.
The Centre's engagement marked a shift from its earlier response to the protests. Prime Minister Narendra Modi announced fast-track courts for paper leak cases and later said legislation providing for stricter punishment would be introduced in Parliament. The Union Cabinet has since approved the proposed Bill.
Investigations widen on multiple fronts
Authorities also stepped up action against alleged irregularities and violence linked to the protests.
The National Testing Agency (NTA) terminated 47 officials as part of what officials described as a complete overhaul of the examination body. Legal and criminal proceedings are expected against some officials, while recruitment of new professionals and institutional reforms are underway.
Separately, Delhi Police constituted a Special Task Force under the Crime Branch to investigate examination-related offences under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024. The unit will probe paper leak cases involving agencies such as the NTA, UPSC, SSC, RRBs and IBPS.
The police are also examining thousands of CCTV recordings, mobile videos, livestreams, social media posts and call records to identify those involved in the July 20 clashes near Parliament and determine whether the violence was pre-planned. Officials said more than 480 Pakistan-based social media handles allegedly spreading misinformation have also been identified.
Meanwhile, the Rapid Action Force has begun an internal verification into allegations that its personnel used disproportionate force, including pellet guns, during the July 20 protests. A formal Court of Inquiry could follow depending on the findings.
Security tightened as protests continue
Security arrangements across central Delhi have been further strengthened.
Delhi Police installed facial recognition systems around Jantar Mantar to identify wanted criminals and habitual offenders attempting to infiltrate the protest site. The force also issued a traffic advisory urging the public to avoid restricted areas and asked ride-hailing, delivery and e-commerce platforms to regulate operations in notified zones.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation announced the closure of 18 metro stations from Saturday morning until further notice as a precautionary measure.
Universities also issued advisories. Jawaharlal Nehru University and Delhi University asked students and staff to stay away from demonstrations around Jantar Mantar, citing safety concerns and Supreme Court guidelines on public gatherings. The advisories drew criticism from Congress leaders, who accused the Union government of using educational institutions to discourage student participation.
Political pressure grows
The Congress announced nationwide candlelight marches and satyagraha programmes across districts, demanding Pradhan's resignation over the alleged paper leak and examination irregularities. Similar protests have been organised by opposition parties and student groups in several states, including Tamil Nadu, Rajasthan and West Bengal.
The Supreme Court has agreed to hear petitions on July 27 alleging police excesses during the student protests, while the Delhi High Court declined to entertain a PIL seeking an NIA probe into the July 20 march, saying such a decision rests with the Union government.
Meanwhile, activist Sonam Wangchuk, who ended his 26-day hunger strike after government assurances, continues to recover in hospital. His wife, Gitanjali J Angmo, appealed for compassion, saying he had lost 11 kilograms during the fast and had made enormous personal sacrifices for the movement.