Students protesting against repeated exam paper leaks clashed with police at Jantar Mantar in Delhi on July 20, 2026. The demonstration, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), demanded stronger action against examination leaks, including the NEET-UG 2026 controversy. Tensions rose when protesters attempted to march towards Parliament, leading to police action that included lathi-charge, tear gas and water cannons.
Delhi Exam Leak Protest Turns Violent
The Delhi Exam Leak Protest began with students gathering at Jantar Mantar to raise concerns over repeated paper leaks across the country. Protesters accused the government of failing to protect the future of students and demanded strict action against those responsible.
According to reports, police stopped the march towards Parliament, after which clashes broke out between protesters and security personnel.
Delhi Police said more than 70 people were detained during the protest. Authorities also alleged that some protesters were involved in vandalism and stone-pelting, which reportedly left more than 100 police personnel injured.
Protesters Allege Excessive Force
Several protesters claimed that police used excessive force to disperse the crowd. Videos shared on social media showed police using lathis, tear gas and water cannons during the operation.
Some protesters also alleged that women and children present at the protest were assaulted during the police action. These claims have drawn widespread attention online. Police have not officially confirmed the allegations made by protesters.
Rahul Gandhi Reacts
Leader of the Opposition Rahul Gandhi strongly criticized the police action and raised concerns over repeated examination paper leaks in the country.
He claimed that India had witnessed 152 exam paper leaks over the past decade, affecting nearly 7.5 crore students. He also questioned why there had been no convictions in many of these cases and demanded accountability.
Sonam Wangchuk Extends Support
Environmental activist Sonam Wangchuk continued his hunger strike in solidarity with the protesting students. His support added national attention to the movement, which has focused on examination reforms and accountability.
The protest also led to disruptions in Parliament, with opposition parties demanding a discussion on exam paper leaks and the police action against students.
Calls for Stronger Examination Reforms
The Delhi Exam Leak Protest has renewed demands for stronger measures to prevent paper leaks and ensure fair examinations. Student groups have called for transparent investigations, faster legal action against those responsible and better protection for candidates appearing in national-level examinations.
The developments have sparked a wider debate over examination security, student welfare and the handling of public protests in the national capital.