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India's NEET paper leak protests and fallout

Nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak intensify, with police crackdowns, health crises, celebrity involvement and government reforms fueling debate over accountability and Minister Pradhan's resignation.

21 stories219 sourcesUpdated Jul 24, 2026

India's NEET paper leak protests and fallout — Photo: Pelph Hoters / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Key developments

Jul 22, 2026
Anna Hazare writes to PM Modi urging dialogue over police handling of NEET paper leak protests and backing Education Minister Pradhan's resignation.
7 sources on this →
Jul 24, 2026
The Modi government expands fast-track courts across states including Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi and Madhya Pradesh's Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior and Jabalpur to punish exam paper-leak culprits.
5 sources on this →
Jul 23, 2026
Delhi police remove ADCP Sandeep Lamba from Jantar Mantar duty after video shows him slapping a female protester, prompting a High Court PIL and NHRC notices.
14 sources on this →
Jul 24, 2026
Celebrities including Imran Khan, Alia Bhatt, Salman Khan and Hollywood's John Cusack back growing NEET protests demanding accountability and reform.

Coverage across the spectrum

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What each side asserts, disputes — or leaves out entirely.

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Stories in this storyline

Photo: Narendra Modi — Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

NTA Sacks 47 Officials in Major Overhaul

India's National Testing Agency has sacked 47 officials as part of a broad overhaul to curb paper leaks in exams like NEET and JEE, with legal action possible against some staff. Prime Minister Modi has pledged swift punishment through fast-track courts and other reforms, as the government restructures outsourcing and strengthens processes amid student protests demanding exam reforms.

10 sources

Photo: Narendra Modi — Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

Madhya Pradesh Plans Fast-Track Courts in Four Cities

Madhya Pradesh plans a major road upgrade, converting a 63-km Badwah–Dhamnod highway to four lanes at about ₹2,508 crore and allocating large-scale road infrastructure funding for 2026–31. Concurrently, Chief Minister Mohan Yadav announced four new fast-track courts in Bhopal, Indore, Gwalior, and Jabalpur to expedite youth-related cases, along with a sharp expansion of medical education and welfare disbursements to millions of beneficiaries.

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Jul 24, 2026

India's National Testing Agency sacks 47 officials in a broad overhaul to curb paper leaks in NEET and other exams.

10 sources on this →

Jul 24, 2026

Actress Ira Khan says she has stayed silent on the NEET protests to protect her mental health, stressing her silence isn't indifference.

8 sources on this →

Jul 24, 2026

A health crisis spreads at Jantar Mantar protests as heat, overcrowding and viral infections affect protesters, police and journalists.

6 sources on this →

Jul 24, 2026

The Rapid Action Force launches an internal inquiry into allegations of pellet gun use during Delhi's July 20 Sansad Chalo protests.

11 sources on this →

5 sources

Ira Khan Silent on NEET Protests, Mental Health

Ira Khan says she stayed silent on the NEET and student protests to protect her mental health and because she didn’t feel she had anything meaningful to contribute, noting she avoids news and social media to manage overwhelm; she reiterated that her silence isn’t indifference and she hopes to find ways to support the cause that align with her values. The discussion surrounding her stance comes amid broader celebrity support for the protests and emphasizes careful, constructive engagement rather than public commentary for some individuals.

8 sources

Health crisis at Jantar Mantar protests spreads

At Delhi’s Jantar Mantar protests, extreme heat, overcrowding, and open-air conditions have triggered viral infections, dehydration, headaches, fevers, and other illnesses among protesters, police, and journalists; volunteer doctors say over 200 people received paracetamol and essential medicines are being provided to elderly with diabetes or hypertension, with food and ORS distributed to those lacking proper nutrition. Medical teams from Five River Heart Association and other volunteers report infections spreading due to coughing/sneezing and note additional injuries like sprains, while teams remain on site to treat ongoing cases.

6 sources

RAF probes pellet gun use in Sansad Chalo

The Rapid Action Force has launched an internal inquiry into allegations of excessive force and pellet gun use during Delhi’s July 20 Sansad Chalo protests, with the CRPF directing the RAF inspector general to verify the sequence of actions and incidents where protesters were attacked. The controversy has drawn criticism from opposition leaders who accuse the government of denying pellet gun use and suppressing facts about the crackdown.

11 sources

Photo: Narendra Modi — Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

Fast-track NEET paper-leak trials in four states

India is fast-tracking prosecutions under the Public Examinations (Prevention of Unfair Means) Act, 2024, enacted to curb paper leaks in NEET and other central examinations and came into effect on June 21, 2024. The Centre plans four fast-track courts across Bombay, Calcutta, Delhi, and Madhya Pradesh High Courts to hear cases daily, with stringent penalties including a minimum five-year prison term and fines for offenders.

6 sources

Photo: Super Festivals / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY 2.0)

Cusack backs CJP protests, signals Hollywood support

Hollywood actor John Cusack voiced support for India's student protests over NEET paper leaks and police action, sharing Arundhati Roy's critique of authorities and praising the demonstrators. He has a history of backing Indian student protests, including the Jamia Millia Islamia crackdown in 2019 and campaigns against the Citizenship Amendment Act.

7 sources

Photo: Narendra Modi — Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

Nationwide NEET Protests Expand Over Paper Leaks

Cricketer Shikhar Dhawan urged patience and faith in India’s institutions amid ongoing NEET paper-leak protests, emphasizing that the youth’s aspirations should be understood as demonstrations continue nationwide. Prime Minister Modi responded by announcing fast-track courts to ensure swift punishment for those involved in leaks and called for dialogue and reforms as protesters and supporters, including Yuvraj Singh and others, push for accountability and change.

15 sources

CBI Finds No Evidence Linking Mukhiya NEET-UG 2024 Paper

The CBI has found no evidence linking Sanjeev Kumar alias Sanjeev Mukhiya to the NEET-UG 2024 paper theft or its distribution, despite initial suspicions and his listing as an accused; the agency says it identified the full conspiracy and all others involved, with 45 accused charged by Patna courts, while Mukhiya did not face a charge sheet and secured bail after probing. He had been absconding and was arrested by Bihar Police in connection with other cases, but the CBI maintains no involvement in the NEET-UG 2024 case emerged during its investigation.

10 sources

Mumbai Police Officer Suspended Over Viral Threats

A viral video shows a Mumbai police driver threatening NEET protesters with false drug charges to deter them, triggering an official inquiry and the officer’s removal from duty. The incident has sparked political criticism and raised concerns about police conduct amid ongoing protests in Mumbai and across the country.

8 sources

NEET Protests Surge Nationwide Over Paper Leaks

R Madhavan has consistently called for a fair, transparent, merit-based education system amid nationwide NEET protests, urging swift accountability for those responsible for paper leaks and urging students to remain hopeful and focused. He emphasized that integrity in education is crucial for India's future and praised the resilience of students advocating for meaningful reforms.

5 sources

Photo: Narendra Modi — Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

Congress Privilege Motion Over PM Residence Incident

Congress MP Hibi Eden filed a privilege motion in the Lok Sabha alleging breach of parliamentary rights and immunities of Rahul Gandhi and several Congress women MPs after a peaceful protest outside Prime Minister Modi's residence, accusing police of brutal manhandling and Gandhi being dragged to Chhatrasal Stadium amid protests over paper leaks and calls for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation.

6 sources

Photo: Alia Bhatt — Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

Celebrities Back Delhi NEET Protests as They Gain Support

Bollywood star Alia Bhatt joined a growing list of celebrities backing the NEET protest over the paper leak and alleged irregularities, praising the students’ courage and urging society to listen to the voices of the younger generation. The support, echoed by Salman Khan and others, emphasizes peaceful demonstrations, accountability for the leak, and the movement led by students at Jantar Mantar, with leaders stressing the fight belongs to the students and should not be politically hijacked.

14 sources

Photo: Narendra Modi — Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

Modi Announces Fast-Track Courts for NEET Leaks

The Modi government is fast-tracking justice for exam paper leaks by establishing fast-track courts to swiftly punish the culprits, a move framed as safeguarding the welfare and future of India’s youth, with Amit Shah endorsing the decision. The announcements came amid protests over NEET leaks and ongoing political pressure including calls for the education minister’s resignation.

48 sources

Man Opens Police Van Latch, Protesters Escape

A viral video shows a man opening the latch of a police van in Chembur, Mumbai, allowing several detained student protesters from a 700–800-strong rally to escape as police had restrained and later detained around 200 individuals. The incident, which prompted widespread debate over police conduct and featured multiple videos of protesters and slogans, coincides with 13 cases and about 400 people booked for unlawful assembly and violation of prohibitory orders.

8 sources

Rajkummar Rao Reports Pressure to Join Modi Song

Rajkummar Rao defended his stance on the Modi Hai Toh Mumkin Hai controversy, saying he can never sell his soul and that a single song doesn’t define his beliefs while indicating he was under pressure; he has publicly supported student-led CJP protests and called for peaceful dialogue and education reform. The discussion has sparked mixed reactions online as fans debate his involvement and pressure to participate in the campaign video.

7 sources

Photo: Pelph Hoters / Wikimedia Commons (CC0)

Delhi ADCP Lamba Removed From Jantar Mantar

Delhi police removed ADCP Sandeep Lamba from duty at the Jantar Mantar site after a video showed him slapping a female protester during the Cockroach Janata Party's Chalo Sansad march, prompting a Delhi High Court PIL hearing and NHRC notices. A police complaint against Lamba has also been filed by former MP Saket Gokhale as investigations and departmental actions continue.

14 sources

Mumbai Student Protest Draws 1,500 as Celebrities Back NEET Reform Demands

Celebrities including Imran Khan joined the Mumbai CJP-led protest at Shivaji Park to back students amid allegations of NEET paper leaks and demands for education system reforms, as demonstrations spread nationwide after clashes in Delhi drew attention. Public figures across entertainment and politics urged peaceful protests, accountability, and avoidance of political manipulation while backing the students’ calls for transparency and systemic change.

7 sources

NEET Protests Expand as Celebrities Call for Dialogue

Yuvraj Singh and other public figures urged peace, safety, and dialogue for India’s students as protests over NEET-UG paper leaks continue, with Opposition demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan and Parliament debates amid police action at Jantar Mantar. The demonstrations have grown in scale, triggering FIRs, court notices, and frequent adjournments as the dispute intensifies.

6 sources

Photo: Gandhi — Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

Hazare letter to Modi backs Pradhan resignation

Anti-corruption veteran Anna Hazare wrote to Prime Minister Modi urging dialogue over police action during student protests and arguing that broad youth grievances—from NEET paper leaks to unemployment—reflect public distress rather than mere law and order. He also backed calls for Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan’s resignation as a signal of accountability and governance improvement, stressing that such steps would not weaken the government.

7 sources

Photo: Indian — Wikimedia Commons / Wikimedia Commons

Dhurandhar Actress Ayesha Khan Detained by Mumbai Police

Bollywood actress Ayesha Khan was detained by Mumbai Police while reportedly standing near a student protest linked to the NEET paper leak and broader calls for education reforms, with videos showing her being escorted by female officers and later at Worli station; she says she was not part of any protest, and the incident has highlighted celebrity involvement in the wider Chalo Sansad movement. The episode, captured on social media, has sparked discussion about how protests are policed and the accountability of authorities amid ongoing student-led demonstrations nationwide.

11 sources