'Ghor paap': PM Modi on NEET paper leak; vows strict action against culprits

Prime Minister Narendra Modi described the recent NEET paper leak as a “ghor paap” (grave sin) and vowed strict action against those responsible for undermining the future of youth. The remarks were made during the National Democratic Alliance’s (NDA) parliamentary party meeting, as relayed by Union minister Kiren Rijiju, who serves as the minister of parliamentary affairs. Rijiju stated that the prime minister emphasized that the NEET paper leak should not become a matter of partisan politics, noting it is a national concern rather than a regional or centralized issue. Modi also reiterated that ensuring the security and future of youth is a top priority for the government. The controversy erupted amid widespread protests led by students and members of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), who condemned the repeated instances of exam paper leaks and alleged systemic irregularities within the education sector. The unrest reached a boiling point in the capital on Monday, as demonstrators marched toward Parliament under the banner of the “Chalo Sansad” movement. Clashes between protesters and law enforcement escalated, prompting the police to deploy batons and fire tear gas to disperse the crowd. The protests centered around three key demands: the resignation of Union education minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the discharge of Sonam Wangchuk from hospital, and financial compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who reportedly took their own lives following the leak, which forced the government to conduct a re-examination. The violence resulted in over 170 individuals, comprising both protesters and Delhi Police personnel, being treated at central government hospitals. A young woman was admitted to Safdarjung Hospital in critical condition, though officials confirmed that most of the injured were in stable condition. At Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital, approximately 150 people were initially brought in, with around 65 medico-legal cases (MLCs) registered involving both protesters and police. Detailed records of these incidents are still being compiled. Notably, around 10 of the MLCs involved individuals who had participated in hunger strikes. Of the injured, roughly 40 were identified as police personnel, while the remainder were protesters. Seven to eight patients required urgent care due to the severity of their injuries, including a 20-year-old woman who suffered a hypoxic brain injury, likely resulting from trauma or a subsequent stampede. The exact cause of her injury remains under investigation. At Lady Hardinge Medical College, at least 24 individuals were treated, with most receiving initial care and subsequently discharged. Those arriving later underwent further evaluations, though no major injuries were reported. Doctors noted that while many patients exhibited visible signs of head and facial trauma, such as bruising, baton injuries, and lacerations, no fractures were documented. The incident has sparked ongoing discussions regarding the need for greater accountability and transparency in handling educational examinations, particularly given the high stakes involved for aspiring students. Meanwhile, in Assam, residents continue to grapple with the annual recurrence of devastating floods. Despite some improvement in conditions, Dhemaji district remains the sole affected region, with nearly 16,000 people impacted across 69 villages. Chief minister Himanta Biswa Sarma informed Union Home minister Amit Shah about the current relief and rehabilitation efforts, expressing gratitude for the federal government’s anticipated support. The state’s persistent flooding issues have reignited public frustration, with local leaders and activists calling for decisive action. MLA Akhil Gogoi, for instance, donned a life jacket during the Assam Assembly’s Budget Session to symbolize the growing threat posed by recurrent floods, accusing the government of failing to deliver on promises made in 2016 to resolve the crisis in Guwahati. Similar demonstrations were organized by the Asom Jatiyatabadi Yuva Chatra Parishad (AJYCP), urging the central government to classify Assam’s flood and erosion challenges as national emergencies. Experts attribute the state’s vulnerability to its geographical location along the Brahmaputra River, which carries vast quantities of sediment and experiences intense seasonal inflows. With nearly 40% of Assam classified as flood-prone, the cycle of devastation continues to disrupt livelihoods and strain resources.