Tear gas, baton charges escalate in India

Fresh clashes erupted between police and protesters at New Delhi’s Jantar Mantar as authorities used tear gas and baton charges to disperse demonstrators demanding action over the alleged leak of the NEET question paper.

Delhi Police said some protesters threw stones at security personnel and attempted to snatch batons while officers were trying to control the crowd.

At least two assistant commissioners of police and several other personnel were injured, according to police.

Security forces used tear gas and batons as tensions rose, while mobile internet services were suspended in and around Jantar Mantar to prevent further escalation. Additional security personnel were deployed across central Delhi.

Protest organisers rejected the police account, accusing authorities of using excessive force against a peaceful demonstration.

Videos circulating on social media showed protesters moving through streets filled with tear gas, though the footage could not be independently verified.

The unrest has also spilled into India’s Parliament, where opposition parties have intensified pressure on the Narendra Modi government over the issue.

Opposition leader Rahul Gandhi said the protests would continue until Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigns, those accused of attacking students face action, and Prime Minister Narendra Modi apologises.

The government has rejected the resignation demand, defended the police response as necessary to maintain public order, and called for dialogue.

Meanwhile, the Delhi High Court has directed authorities to preserve CCTV footage related to the July 20 violence while hearing petitions challenging police action.

The Supreme Court declined an urgent plea seeking immediate intervention, saying the matter should follow the regular legal process.

Sonam Wangchuk, one of the key figures in the movement, remains under medical supervision at a hospital in Gurugram after a prolonged hunger strike.

He said he would end his fast if the government guarantees that no protesting student would face FIRs, arrests or punitive measures.

The protests began on June 20 over allegations of irregularities and question paper leaks in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).

Organised under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the movement has expanded from demands for an investigation into broader calls for Education Minister Pradhan’s resignation and greater accountability in India’s education system.

Meanwhile, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has announced the formation of fast-track courts to punish those involved in question paper leaks, as student protests over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations intensify across the country.

In a post on social media platform X on Wednesday (July 22), Modi said his government would take strict action against anyone attempting to harm the future of young people and directed authorities to ensure speedy justice in exam leak cases.

“Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth,” Modi said, announcing steps to establish fast-track courts for such cases.

However, the prime minister did not address the ongoing student protests, allegations of police action against demonstrators, or the protesters’ demand for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Congress leader Rahul Gandhi criticised Modi’s statement, accusing the government of failing to protect students’ interests.

“You have harmed the future of the youth the most. You allowed the education system to be destroyed and protected those responsible,” Gandhi said in a response on X.

He reiterated the protesters’ three demands — the removal of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, an apology to students, and action against police personnel accused of attacking demonstrators.

The protests, organised under the banner of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), continued at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar on Thursday, with students and supporters demanding an investigation into alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, including NEET-UG 2026, reforms in the education system, and Pradhan’s resignation.

Tensions escalated late Wednesday night as protesters clashed with police at Jantar Mantar. Police used batons and tear gas to disperse crowds, claiming that protesters hurled stones and attempted to seize batons.

Police said six personnel, including two assistant commissioners of police, were injured, while protesters accused authorities of using excessive force.

The BJP-led Delhi government closed 16 metro stations on Thursday morning, citing security concerns.

The move drew criticism from CJP founder Abhijit Dipke, who said the government was willing to restrict movement across Delhi but unwilling to remove the education minister.

The protests have also spread to Mumbai, where authorities-imposed restrictions on gatherings of more than five people until August 6.

Police filed eight cases against around 900 people accused of participating in demonstrations supporting the CJP.

The Delhi High Court is scheduled to hear on Friday a public interest litigation seeking an investigation into the movement led by the CJP.