Mumbai’s Chembur sees NEET protest intensify as demonstrators detained by police
Students, parents and citizens gathered in large numbers demanding reforms in the examination system and accountability over the NEET controversy.
Protests against alleged irregularities in the NEET examination continued in Mumbai on Wednesday, with hundreds of students, parents and citizens gathering at different locations across the city.
Around 300 protesters assembled near Dr Babasaheb Ambedkar Garden in Chembur at around 1 pm despite a heavy police presence. The demonstration was held in support of demands for reforms in the education system following allegations of a NEET paper leak.
Several protesters carried creative and critical placards targeting the government’s handling of the issue. Messages displayed on banners questioned the state of the education system and called for accountability from those in power.
During the demonstration, some protesters were detained by police after slogans were raised. Videos and images from the protest site showed police personnel removing demonstrators from the area, with some protesters alleging that they were dragged along the road during the detention process.
After several participants were taken away, police dispersed the remaining crowd from the protest location. However, many protesters returned and resumed their demonstration, although the gathering was smaller in size.
Some participants claimed they were stopped while trying to reach Ambedkar Garden to join the protest.
The protesters said their movement would continue until their demands are addressed. They expressed support for the Cockroach Janta Party’s ongoing demonstration at Jantar Mantar in New Delhi and called for greater accountability in the examination system.
One protester, Robin Ransom, said it was painful to see students suffer because of failures in the system. He demanded action against those responsible for the alleged NEET paper leak and said every student deserves a fair opportunity.
Another participant, Sneha Kamble, said citizens were concerned about the future of young people and wanted improvements in governance and education policies.
The Mumbai demonstrations come amid growing protests in several parts of the country over allegations of examination irregularities and demands for transparency in the education system.