Vedike condemns police crackdown on NEET protestors in New Delhi, seeks entry test irregularities

Activists and students protested under the banner of Prajasattatmaka Chintana Vedike in Kalaburagi town on Friday, condemning police action against NEET protesters at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi. | Photo credit: ARUN KULKARNI

Members of the Prajasattatmaka Chintana Vedike (Forum for Democratic Thought) along with students, activists and civil society members staged a protest in Kalaburagi on Friday, condemning the alleged police action against NEET protesters at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and demanding that the Union government address concerns over alleged irregularities in the entrance medical examination.

The protestors assembled at Jagat Circle in the morning and marched towards the Deputy Commissioner’s office, raising slogans in support of the student movement. They accused the Union government of suppressing democratic dissent instead of addressing the grievances of students seeking action over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

Activist K. Neela said students have been protesting at Jantar Mantar for weeks, demanding accountability for alleged irregularities in NEET and reforms in the examination system. Referring to the hunger strike by education activist Sonam Wangchuk in support of the students, she alleged that the BJP-led Union government has failed to engage with those raising concerns despite a prolonged agitation.

Activist RK Hudgi alleged that the repeated leaks of question papers have undermined the credibility of the examination system and caused anxiety among students who had been preparing for the competitive exams for months. He demanded a transparent investigation into the alleged irregularities and strict measures against those responsible.

Condemning what they described as the use of force against protesters during demonstrations at Jantar Mantar and the ‘Parliament Chalo’ march in New Delhi, they alleged that police personnel and private groups attacked peaceful protesters, including students and female participants.

Meenakshi Bali claimed that several protesters were injured in the incident and described the action as an attack on democratic rights and the constitutional guarantee of peaceful protest. It also criticized the alleged detention of Mr. Wangchuk at the protest site and demanded an impartial investigation into the incidents.

The protesters submitted a memorandum to the Deputy Commissioner urging the Union government to ensure a fair and transparent examination system, conduct a comprehensive inquiry into the NEET paper leak, take action against those responsible and ensure the right to peaceful protest.

Vedike members RG Shetgar, Arjun Bhadre, Mareppa Halli, Mahesh, Padmini Kiranagi, Lavitra Vastrad and others participated in the protest.

Published – 24 Jul 2026 19:47 IST