Students Protest Over NEET Paper Leak, Block Roads at Several Locations; Demand Resignation of Union Education Minister

Ara: Protests over the alleged NEET paper leak intensified in Bihar on Saturday as students associated with the All India Students' Association (AISA) took to the streets in Ara, Bhojpur district. Hundreds of students organized demonstrations, marched through major roads in the city, and raised slogans against the alleged examination irregularities, demanding a fair and transparent investigation into the case.

The protest began near Veer Kunwar Singh Park and Ramna Maidan, where a large number of students and AISA activists gathered before taking out a rally through different parts of the city. Carrying banners and placards, the protesters demanded strict action against those responsible for the alleged paper leak.

According to the demonstrators, the alleged irregularities have cast serious doubts on the credibility of the examination process and affected the future of thousands of deserving students. They emphasized that a transparent and fair examination system is essential to ensure justice for all candidates.

Demand for Union Education Minister's Resignation

During the protest, students demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, arguing that moral responsibility should be fixed in connection with the alleged examination irregularities. They called for accountability and urged the government to conduct an impartial investigation into the matter.

The protesters said that restoring confidence in the examination system requires transparency and strict action against anyone found responsible for wrongdoing.

Rally Through Major Roads

The rally, led by AISA, passed through several important roads in Ara, drawing attention from local residents and commuters. Students continued raising slogans throughout the march while highlighting their demands for a transparent investigation and reforms in the examination process.

Police personnel remained deployed at various locations to maintain law and order and ensure that the demonstration remained peaceful.

Highway Blocked at Sahar

Meanwhile, AISA student leaders and activists blocked the Sakaddi–Nasriganj Highway near the Sahar Bus Stand in Bhojpur district. Protesters sat on the road, bringing traffic to a standstill for some time.

The blockade caused long queues of vehicles on both sides of the highway, leading to inconvenience for commuters. Local authorities reached the spot and initiated talks with the protesters to restore normal traffic movement.

Protest at Garhani

In Garhani, members of the Inquilabi Naujawan Sabha (Inous) also staged a demonstration by blocking the Ara–Sasaram Highway in support of the movement.

The protesters raised slogans against the central government and reiterated their demand for the resignation of the Union Education Minister, along with several other demands related to the alleged NEET paper leak.

They maintained that the examination system must be transparent and fair to protect the interests of students across the country.

Traffic Disrupted at Multiple Locations

The protests and road blockades disrupted traffic at several locations across Bhojpur district. Commuters faced delays as vehicles remained stranded on blocked roads.

Police and district administration officials monitored the situation closely and worked to regulate traffic while maintaining law and order.

Administration on Alert

Considering the scale of the demonstrations, the district administration deployed additional police personnel at sensitive locations to prevent any untoward incidents.

Officials appealed to protesters to conduct their demonstrations peacefully and cooperate with authorities in maintaining public order.

Key Demands of the Protesters

During the demonstrations, students raised several demands, including:

  • A fair and transparent investigation into the alleged NEET paper leak.
  • Strict legal action against those found responsible.
  • Reforms to ensure transparency in the examination system.
  • Accountability for the alleged irregularities.
  • Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan on moral grounds.

Debate Intensifies Across Bihar

The alleged NEET paper leak has sparked widespread political and public debate across Bihar. Various student organizations and political parties have expressed their views on the issue, while the investigation into the allegations continues through the appropriate authorities.

For now, protests and road blockades in Ara, Sahar, and Garhani have partially disrupted normal life in the region. The administration continues to monitor the situation closely, while student organizations have indicated that they will continue their agitation until their demands are addressed.