NEET Paper Leak Row: Student Protest Turns Violent in Patna, Police Use Tear Gas as Unrest Continues in Delhi A student march to the Raj Bhavan in Patna over the NEET paper leak turned violent, prompting police to use tear gas and water cannons. Meanwhile, demonstrations over the issue continue at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The controversy surrounding the alleged leak of the NEET examination paper has sparked intense protests in Bihar. On Wednesday, the streets of Patna witnessed severe unrest as hundreds of students organized a march towards the Raj Bhavan, aggressively demanding the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. What began as a coordinated demonstration quickly deteriorated into a chaotic confrontation when the surging crowd reached the JP Golambar area. Police forces, who had pre-deployed heavy barricading to halt the march, found themselves face-to-face with angry protesters. Authorities initially attempted to pacify the students through dialogue and warnings, but the agitated crowd refused to step back, leading to a breakdown in communication and a rapid escalation of hostilities. In a bid to disperse the massive gathering and prevent them from breaching the security perimeter, the police resorted to a lathi charge. When this failed to clear the streets, security personnel deployed tear gas shells and activated water cannons against the demonstrators. Despite the intense police crackdown, a large faction of the protesters held their ground at the prominent Dak Bungalow Chauraha, maintaining their defiant stance. The persistent standoff transformed parts of the city into conflict zones, leaving a lingering atmosphere of tension throughout Patna. Journalists Assaulted and Police Officer Injured As the day progressed, the situation took a darker turn when a breakaway group of protesters reached the vicinity of Gandhi Maidan. The protests, which were initially focused on the government, saw instances of violence directed at the media and law enforcement. Several news channel reporters and their cameramen, who were covering the unfolding events, were physically assaulted by members of the mob. The clashes also resulted in casualties among the police ranks. The Station House Officer (SHO) of the Pirbahor police station sustained significant head injuries during the violent skirmishes with the students. The area remained highly volatile, with police struggling to restore complete order. Demonstrations Echo at Delhi's Jantar Mantar While Patna burned, parallel demonstrations continued to gain momentum in the national capital. Students and activists gathered at Delhi's Jantar Mantar under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), maintaining a relentless sit-in protest against the government's handling of the NEET paper leak. This ongoing agitation in Delhi is increasingly being viewed as the epicenter of a broader, nationwide student movement. Addressing the gathering on Wednesday, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka revealed that government representatives had finally reached out to initiate a dialogue. Welcoming the development, Ranka affirmed the organization's readiness for discussions, emphasizing that whether the meeting happens at Jantar Mantar or a neutral location, the time spent at the negotiating table will not be wasted. Protesters Warn of a Nationwide Uprising During his fiery address, Ranka laid down strict ground rules for the demonstrators. He appealed to the youth to limit their vocal expressions to four specific slogans: 'Bharat Mata Ki Jai', 'Inquilab Zindabad', 'Jai Bhim', and 'Dharmendra Pradhan Istifa Do' (Dharmendra Pradhan, Resign). He warned that certain elements were attempting to derail the movement's focus and categorically stated that the organization would not tolerate any negative or unapproved chanting. Ranka had previously issued a stern warning to the central government, declaring that if the legitimate demands of the students are not met swiftly, the youth of the country will deliver a resounding response. He described the massive protest held on July 20 as a mere trailer, cautioning that failure to resolve the crisis would result in millions descending upon Delhi. Characterizing the ongoing agitation as the most significant student movement in the history of independent India, Ranka praised the protesters' resilience. He pointed out that for the past 31 days, the youth have been protesting peacefully, adhering to the principles laid down by Mahatma Gandhi and Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. Firmly rejecting allegations of instigating violence, he clarified that the July 20 march was entirely peaceful and that chaos only erupted after the police initiated the use of excessive force. He placed the blame for the deteriorating situation squarely on the authorities' heavy-handed crackdown on protesting students. What this means for you • Across India: The ongoing controversy and escalating protests surrounding the NEET exam have created deep uncertainty among millions of medical aspirants and their families regarding the transparency of the examination system. • In Patna: Residents and daily commuters around the Raj Bhavan and Dak Bungalow Chauraha areas are facing severe traffic disruptions and safety inconveniences due to the heavy barricading and police crackdowns. Questions & Answers 1. Why are students protesting in Patna? Students are protesting in Patna to demand the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak case. 2. What happened between the police and students in Patna? Police intercepted students marching towards the Raj Bhavan at JP Golambar, leading to a clash. Authorities used lathi charges, tear gas, and water cannons to disperse the crowd. 3. Who is leading the ongoing protests at Jantar Mantar? The Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has been leading a continuous sit-in protest over the NEET issue at Delhi's Jantar Mantar for the past 31 days. 4. What warning did the CJP spokesperson give to the government? CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka warned that if the students' demands are not met promptly, millions of youth will march to Delhi and escalate the movement further. https://trendkia.com/en/bihar/neet-pepara-lika-patna-men-chhatron-ka-raj-bhavan-marcha-hua-hinsaka-pulisa-ne-dage-ansu-gaisa-ke-gole-9772 TrendKia — Har trend, sabse pehle.