Clashes Break Out at Jantar Mantar as NEET Protesters Attempt 'Chalo Sansad' March

New Delhi- Tension flared at Delhi's Jantar Mantar on Monday after protesters attempting to launch a 'Chalo Sansad' march clashed with police while demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak.

A large number of students and activists gathered at the protest site, where Delhi Police had made extensive security arrangements, including multiple layers of barricades across the New Delhi district to prevent demonstrators from marching towards Parliament.

Visuals from the scene showed hundreds of protesters carrying flags and raising slogans. As several demonstrators tried to move past the barricades, police personnel intervened and pushed them back to maintain order, leading to tense confrontations.

Security was tightened across the area, with a heavy deployment of police personnel and a riot control vehicle stationed at Jantar Mantar. Restrictions were also imposed in view of the planned march towards Parliament.

Many students reached the protest venue after assembling near Mandi House Metro Station, raising slogans against the Central government as they marched towards Jantar Mantar. The gathering grew larger as more participants joined the demonstration.

According to reports from the site, police used force to stop protesters from breaching security barricades, and a lathi charge was also reported during the confrontation.

As the standoff continued, authorities worked to prevent protesters from entering restricted zones. Patel Chowk Metro Station, located close to the protest site, was reportedly closed as a precautionary measure.

Police also deployed signal jammers in and around the protest area. Some demonstrators claimed that mobile phone connectivity had been disrupted near the venue.

The protest at Jantar Mantar has been continuing for more than a month, with protesters demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister over allegations surrounding the NEET paper leak. They have accused the government of failing to ensure transparency in the examination process and have sought accountability for those responsible.

The demonstration took place under heightened security in central Delhi, as police maintained a strict vigil while protesters continued raising slogans and pressing their demands.

With inputs from IANS