In a major intervention regarding the nationwide agitation against the NEET examination paper leak, the Supreme Court has directed authorities to immediately release all students detained or arrested during the demonstrations, provided they do not have prior criminal records. The directive applies to student protesters picked up by police at various agitation sites across the country, including Delhi's Jantar Mantar.
Nationwide Protests and Mass Police Action
The apex court's directive comes after extensive agitation flared up in multiple states following alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the national entrance test. Protests erupted in various regions, leading to large-scale police actions and detentions. In Bihar, a state-wide call for a shutdown saw widespread demonstrations, resulting in the detention and arrest of over 400 individuals. Former minister Tej Pratap was among those arrested by police in Patna while taking part in the rallies.
Escalation in Uttar Pradesh and Political Action
In Uttar Pradesh, tension erupted in Prayagraj's Civil Lines area during student demonstrations over the leak. Authorities arrested 10 individuals, including local political activists, following allegations of vandalism and disorderly conduct during the demonstrations. The arrests drew sharp reactions from local representatives and political figures who gathered at police stations demanding the immediate release of the student protesters.
Legal Demands, Case Withdrawals, and Investigation Progress
Under growing public pressure and warnings from student rights organizations, state authorities in Bihar announced decisions to withdraw non-criminal cases registered against student demonstrators and initiate their release. Meanwhile, central agencies continuing the investigation into the underlying paper leak conspiracy have made further progress, securing multi-day custody of key accused individuals, bringing the total number of arrests in the core leak investigation to eight.
