Rahul Gandhi has voiced unwavering support for the students who protested at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar following the NEET-UG paper leak, applauding their “courage and resilience” even as he accused Delhi Police forces of branding them “traitors” during the crackdown.
In a video posted on X on August 16, 2026, the opposition leader is seen speaking with around six students who say they were lathi-charged on July 20 when demonstrations erupted over allegations of a NEET-UG medical exam paper leak.
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## What the Students Allege
One student said police repeatedly shouted “traitors” at protestors, hitting him “at least seven times” on the knee during the clash. When he asked for the blows to be directed behind his back instead, his pleas were ignored.
A female protester said she was struck by a pellet which injured her ear severely. “My ear lobe was cut and hanging. There was a lot of bleeding. I underwent a two‐hour surgery but was discharged just 15 minutes later. I needed some rest but they asked me to leave,” she claimed.
Another student described indiscriminate targeting by lathis, including attacks to the head. He said officers had their faces covered, and hurled verbal abuse.
The fourth student, Ruchika Singh, who was booked for allegedly using abusive language against Prime Minister Modi, spoke of a disturbing incident: “The way a cop hit me with the batons, that is pure sexual assault… when I turned around to yell…, he was smirking at me.”
She also remarked on how unsafe she felt in her own country following the events. “I realised that I am not safe in this country,” she said.
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## Rahul Gandhi’s Response
Gandhi praised the young protestors for standing peacefully yet firmly in the face of what he called a “violent regime.” He particularly acknowledged the girls who suffered physical and verbal abuse during the protests.
In his post, he emphasized that the students raised their voices with “peace, love, and humor,” and asserted that despite the BJP’s attempts, their voices “cannot be silenced.”
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## Context: What Triggered the Protests
The July 20 demonstrations were ignited by serious allegations that the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test-Undergraduate (NEET-UG) question paper was leaked. Students, activist groups, and opposition parties demanded accountability.
Central bureau of investigation (CBI) investigations unfolded, naming multiple accused individuals, including exam paper setters from within the National Testing Agency (NTA) and key intermediaries.
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## Injuries, Allegations, and Institutional Reaction
– Several protestors allege use of pellet guns. Five individuals — including a 25-year-old private firm employee, a 32-year-old woman from Gurugram, a 28-year-old reporter, a 25-year-old from Bihar, and a 19-year-old aspiring police officer — claimed to have been hit by pellets on July 20.
– A Rapid Action Force deputy commander is said to have ordered two rounds of pellet use. A general diary entry from Parliament Street Police Station records this.
– In contrast, government officials have maintained that no firing occurred that day.
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## Broader Significance
These protests reflect deeper anxieties among students concerning the fairness, transparency, and accountability of India’s educational system. The NEET-UG leak case has not only exposed alleged loopholes in exam administration but also intensified mistrust between policymakers, law enforcement, and young citizens.
The incident also spotlighted the government’s response: promises of forgiveness, challenges to protest tactics, and strong reactions from opposition leaders. On July 31, PM Modi said he would forgive students accused of abusing him and his late mother, calling them misguided.
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## Takeaway
The Jantar Mantar protests on July 20 over NEET-UG paper leak allegations have led to serious accusations of police brutality, pellet usage, and the mistreatment of student protestors. Rahul Gandhi’s meeting with injured students and his public tribute to their bravery have kept the spotlight on the calls for justice, accountability, and reform.
The disputed events have added urgency to broader debates about the conduct of national exams, the accountability of law enforcement, and the rights of students to protest peacefully.
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