Authorities and political workers allegedly assaulted protesters and reporters at Jantar Mantar in Delhi during a demonstration over examination irregularities [1, 2].
The incident highlights the escalating tension between the Indian government and activists demanding transparency regarding the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET), a critical gateway for medical education.
Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, said that at 7 a.m. [1] on June 26, 2026 [2], security forces arrived at the site. Dipke said that officials dragged away Sonam Wangchuk, a 60-year-old hunger-striker [1]. At the time of his removal, Wangchuk had been on a hunger strike for 20 days [1].
"At 7 AM, when I stepped out to freshen up, police goons arrived here," Dipke said. "They dragged Sonam sir away while hurling abuse at him. A 60-year-old man, who had been on a hunger strike for 20 days and hadn’t eaten a thing, was forcibly dragged away by the Delhi Police" [1].
Dipke said that he was assaulted while traveling to Jantar Mantar from a friend's house after receiving news of the removal [1]. Reports regarding the identity of the aggressors vary. While some accounts identify the perpetrators as Delhi Police, other reports state that BJP workers physically assaulted reporters and protesters at the scene [2].
The protest was organized to address a purported leak of the NEET examination paper, and broader irregularities within the testing process [2]. The use of force against a hunger-striker and members of the press has drawn criticism from civil society groups and political opponents.
Dipke shared videos of the encounter to document the alleged violence [2]. The incident occurred as part of a larger wave of unrest among students and educators seeking a fair investigation into the integrity of India's competitive medical exams [2].
“"A 60-year-old man, who had been on a hunger strike for 20 days... was forcibly dragged away"”
The clash at Jantar Mantar underscores a deepening crisis of confidence in India's centralized examination systems. By targeting a high-profile activist like Sonam Wangchuk and members of the press, the state risks transforming a policy dispute over exam leaks into a broader human rights and freedom of speech conflict.
