After Parliament march clashes, CJP stays put as PM Modi promises action on NEET leak

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described the NEET paper leak as a “ghor paap” (grave sin) and said such an incident should never happen again, as Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) protesters continued their agitation at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar a day after clashes with police during the “Sansad Chalo” march.

Speaking at the NDA Parliamentary Party meeting, Modi said the government acted immediately after the NEET paper leak came to light. Terming the leak a “ghor paap” (grave sin), he said all those involved had been arrested, adding that 13 accused are currently in custody.

Union Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju said the government acted swiftly after the paper leak surfaced, arresting 13 accused and sending them to jail. He said a NEET re-examination was conducted to safeguard the future of aspirants and that the examination was successfully held, with the results declared on schedule.

Rijiju said the government’s prompt action was aimed at ensuring such incidents do not recur. Referring to Modi’s remarks, he said the prime minister had called for the strictest possible punishment for those involved in the paper leak, saying strong action against the accused would help deter future leaks and protect the integrity of public examinations.

The prime minister’s remarks came as CJP protesters remained at Jantar Mantar despite heavy rain, tight security and Monday’s police crackdown during the march towards Parliament.

CJP protesters stopped near Parliament as police deploy tear gas

Volunteers were seen cleaning the protest site on Tuesday morning after police removed tents and other temporary structures on Monday. The stage remained the only structure standing, although its covering was left in a damaged condition. Heavy deployment of Delhi Police and Rapid Action Force personnel continued around the protest venue.

Protesters began gathering again at Jantar Mantar early Tuesday after the CJP called for the agitation to continue.

CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke met supporters who alleged that police personnel without name tags had beaten protesters, including women, and called them “terrorists”. Dipke folded his hands and apologised to those present.

Abhijeet Dipke’s message to those who are demoralized by the police brutalities – “They want you to lose hope. We cannot lost hope. Yesterday was just the first such call we gave.”@abhijeet_dipke pic.twitter.com/0e3dJDunhC

— Cockroach is Back (@Cockroachisback) July 21, 2026

He told supporters that contrary to claims circulating on social media, none of the movement’s leaders had left the protest site. He said CJP spokespersons Ashutosh Ranka and Saurav Das had gone to meet Union Minister J P Nadda in an effort to find a resolution to the standoff.

Later, Dipke apologised to injured supporters in a post on X.

“I apologise to all our supporters, especially the girls who were brutally beaten up by male police officers. We could have done better. I could have done better to protect you from the inhumane actions of the Delhi Police,” he wrote.

21st July – 11:30 AM

Jantar Mantar Is Again Packed!

The more you suppress us, the more we will rise!! pic.twitter.com/51sFHCNDFj

— Cockroach is Back (@Cockroachisback) July 21, 2026

“To protect one Dharmendra Pradhan, who is responsible for the deaths of more than 20 students, the government was willing to spill the blood of many more young students,” Dipke alleged.

“If you were injured and see this, please DM me. I want to speak to you personally and apologise. We will keep fighting for all of you,” he said in another post, while separately describing the developments as, “Not a democracy.”

Monday’s “Sansad Chalo” march saw thousands of people gather at Jantar Mantar despite heavy security arrangements, multi-layered barricades and prohibitory orders under Section 163 of the Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita.

Police used lathicharge and tear gas shells after protesters attempted to march towards Parliament, with both sides blaming each other for the violence.

More than 100 policemen and over 60 protesters were injured after police dispersed the crowds, which at one point came within metres of Parliament.

Delhi Police said about 70 protesters were detained and an FIR had been registered against unidentified persons for violence and vandalism.

In a statement, Delhi Police said protesters displayed “unruly, aggressive and violent” behaviour during the protest. It said they refused to disperse despite repeated warnings and violated prohibitory orders.

The protesters, however, accused Delhi Police of using excessive force during the march and alleged that several students were injured.

The agitation, which began on June 20, seeks accountability over alleged irregularities in competitive examinations, reforms in the education system and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Amid the confrontation, the government opened communication with protest leaders on Monday.

Union minister JP Nadda met CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka at his residence, where they submitted three demands — the release of Sonam Wangchuk without restrictions on his movement, the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Rs 1 crore compensation for all NEET aspirants who died by suicide following the NEET 2026 paper leaks.

Nadda later said on X that the CJP leaders had submitted a written petition around 4 pm and that the discussion was initiated after the party approached the government for talks.

After the meeting, Saurav Das said: “The Minister assured us he will discuss this at the appropriate level. However, no commitments have been made so far. The peaceful protesters will not rest until the demand is met.”

Meanwhile, CJP spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka said activist Sonam Wangchuk’s indefinite hunger strike had entered its 24th day.

“Sonam Wangchuk is on the 24th day of his hunger strike. He is still fighting for us. We won’t stop. Pradhan has to be sacked,” Ranka said in a post on X.

Wangchuk was forcefully shifted to Safdarjung Hospital by Delhi Police on July 18 and has continued his hunger strike from the hospital.

Wangchuk has also announced that he will continue his fast until youth leaders are allowed to meet MPs in Parliament or they are allowed to meet him at the hospital.

His wife, Gitanjali Angmo, shared a handwritten message from him on social media.

“I will continue my fast. Seeing the brutality with which peacefully protesting youth are being dealt with, I have decided to continue my fast until the youth leaders are allowed to meet the parliamentarians at Sansad Bhavan or I am allowed to meet them here at the hospital,” Wangchuk said in the note, which also bore his signature.

(With inputs from agencies)