
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday described the alleged leak of the NEET question paper as a 'ghor paap' (great sin) and assured the nation that those responsible would face the full force of the law. The strong statement came amid growing protests by students across several states, demanding a transparent investigation.
Addressing a public event, Modi said the incident has deeply hurt the youth of the country. He emphasised that his government is committed to making the examination process completely foolproof.
The Prime Minister's remarks signal a zero-tolerance approach. He stated that the government will not spare anyone found guilty of compromising the integrity of competitive exams. Officials have not yet confirmed the exact number of individuals arrested, but multiple state police forces are coordinating with central agencies.
Modi's use of the phrase 'ghor paap' is seen as an attempt to convey the moral gravity of the offence. It directly addresses the anger and anxiety of millions of students who rely on NEET scores for medical admissions.
While promising action, the Prime Minister also accused opposition parties of trying to exploit the situation. He alleged that the protests are being fuelled by political conspiracies aimed at destabilising the education system.
This line of attack has drawn sharp reactions from Congress and other opposition parties. They have demanded a Supreme Court-monitored probe and accused the government of trying to deflect blame. The political slugfest is expected to intensify as the investigation progresses.
Meanwhile, student protests have gained momentum in Rajasthan. Demonstrators are backing the agitation led by the Chhatra Janata Party (CJP), demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) inquiry. The Congress party has also targeted the Centre, calling the leak a symptom of systemic failure.
In several cities, students have taken to the streets, holding placards and shouting slogans. The protests have been largely peaceful, though traffic was disrupted in some areas. Local authorities are monitoring the situation closely.
The government is expected to release a detailed action plan to prevent future leaks. A high-level committee may be formed to review the security protocols of exam conducting bodies. For now, the focus remains on identifying the source of the leak and ensuring that the guilty are punished swiftly.
As the investigations unfold, the political and public pressure on the government will only grow. The coming weeks will reveal whether the promised crackdown can restore trust in one of India's most crucial medical entrance exams.