Members of NSUI and Yuva Sena protested outside a Pune college on Sunday demanding action on the alleged 2026 NEET paper leak and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
Members of the Congress-affiliated National Students’ Union of India and Shiv Sena UBT’s Yuva Sena gathered outside Modern College of Arts, Science, and Commerce on Sunday morning. They called for strict measures against those involved in the alleged leak and urged the central government to hold those responsible accountable.
Maharashtra NSUI State President Sagar Salunkhe addressed the protesters. He highlighted the impact on nearly 22 lakh students, noting increased financial burdens from extra preparation time and mentioning that four students had died by suicide amid the stress.
Police detained some protesters during the event. NSUI’s Bhushan Ranbhare claimed the detentions occurred despite prior permission being sought and alleged they were carried out to protect Nivedita Ekbote, the college principal and a BJP corporator.
The college stated it would launch an inquiry into the arrested biology teacher, Manisha Mandhare. Ekbote said communications between the National Testing Agency and the teacher remain confidential under existing rules.