Water cannon, tug of war and a stolen gate: Patna NEET protest goes viral

Patna witnessed an unusual spectacle on Wednesday as students protesting alleged NEET paper leaks engaged in a tug of war with police, stole a gate, and faced water cannon fire. The protest, which began peacefully, escalated into a viral online sensation.

How the protest unfolded

Hundreds of students gathered near the Bihar state secretariat, demanding action against those responsible for the exam paper leaks. Tensions flared when police attempted to remove them from the area. The students, in a bid to hold their ground, grabbed a metal gate from a nearby construction site and used it as a makeshift barricade.

In a bizarre twist, the students then engaged in a tug of war with police over the gate. The police eventually deployed water cannons to disperse the crowd. Videos of the incident, showing students laughing and chanting slogans while holding the gate, have been widely shared on social media.

Nationwide protests

The Patna protest is part of a larger wave of student demonstrations across India. In Guwahati, students gathered under the banner "Here to Seek Justice," demanding a thorough investigation into the paper leaks. In Bengaluru, young protesters have sparked a debate on privilege and the need for systemic change in the exam process.

Protests have also been reported in Haryana and other states, with students demanding the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The opposition has seized on the issue, accusing the government of failing to secure the examination process.

What the students want

The core demand of the protesters is a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the paper leaks. They also want strict action against the culprits and a re-examination if necessary. The students argue that the leaks have compromised the integrity of the exam, affecting the futures of lakhs of candidates.

"We are not here to create chaos. We want justice and a fair chance," said a student leader at the Patna protest. The government has not yet responded to the specific demands, but officials have promised a thorough investigation.

Online reaction

The Patna protest has become a viral sensation, with the stolen gate and tug of war becoming memes. Social media users have praised the students' creativity in drawing attention to their cause. However, some have criticised the protest methods, calling them counterproductive.

Police officials in Patna have confirmed that no arrests have been made so far. "We are reviewing the footage and will take appropriate action if needed," a senior officer said.

As the protests continue to spread, the government faces mounting pressure to address the issue. The next few days will be crucial as student groups plan larger demonstrations.