Police Intensify Enforcement Against Student Groups Over NEET Paper Leak Protests

Student Leaders Denounce Nationwide Arrests and Surveillance

The All India Students’ Association (AISA) has accused law enforcement of a systematic campaign to suppress student-led demonstrations following the NEET paper leak controversy. During a press conference at the Press Club of India on Tuesday, AISA National President Neha reported that despite assurances of safety for peaceful assemblies, activists now face widespread intimidation, arbitrary detention, and formal arrests.

Biometric Tracking and Regional Crackdowns

The student body highlighted specific instances of police pressure in various states:

• Bihar: Authorities Have arrested several prominent members, including former JNUSU President Dhananjay, Bihar Secretary Dipankar Mishra, and Patna University activists Divyam Kumar and Saba Afreen.
• Delhi: Organizers report that police are serving notices to residents in Jamia Nagar using facial recognition and retina scan data collected during protests at Jantar Mantar.
• Other Regions: Similar containment efforts and legal actions have been documented in West Bengal and Jharkhand.

AISA Jamia has established a dedicated legal aid helpline to assist those targeted by the use of biometric surveillance technology in the capital.

Demands for Accountability and Policy Reform

The agitation centers on significant structural grievances beyond the immediate paper leak. AISA is calling for the immediate release of all detained students and financial compensation for those who suffered injuries during police interventions. On a policy level, the group demands the total dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA). Furthermore, the organization is seeking the repeal of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, arguing that the current testing infrastructure and educational framework require a complete overhaul to protect student interests.

Source: The Hindu — Cities