Delhi Police deny NTA office security breach during 'Sansad Chalo' march
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Delhi Police on Monday, 20 July dismissed as 'false and baseless' social media claims that protesters had breached security and entered the National Testing Agency (NTA) office in Okhla, New Delhi, amid widespread demonstrations over alleged examination irregularities. The force issued an official clarification stating that the situation at the premises remained 'completely normal and peaceful' throughout the day.
What Actually Happened at the NTA Office
According to police, only a small group of examination aspirants accompanied by their parents had visited the NTA office to raise concerns about alleged discrepancies in their results. 'Five to seven of them, accompanied by their parents, were allowed to meet NTA officials to discuss their grievances,' a police officer said.
The force confirmed that adequate security arrangements were in place at the office and that no breach of any kind had occurred. Delhi Police urged citizens to rely solely on official communications and to disregard unverified posts circulating on social media platforms.
The 'Sansad Chalo' Protest and Its Demands
The clarification came against the backdrop of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and its supporters staging the 'Sansad Chalo' march on Monday, demanding government accountability over the NEET-UG paper leak case. As demonstrators attempted to advance toward Parliament House, they were met by a police contingent deployed to maintain law and order.
The protest has been organised primarily to press for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the NEET-UG paper leak and related irregularities, including concerns surrounding the 12th CBSE Board examinations — issues that have sparked nationwide debate over the integrity of competitive examinations in India.
What the Government Said
CJP spokespersons Saurav Das and Ashutosh Ranka presented their demands to Union Minister J.P. Nadda on Monday. Nadda, who holds the Health portfolio, reportedly assured the delegation that he would discuss the protesters' demands 'internally' with the 'leadership,' according to the CJP representatives.
Clashes at Jantar Mantar
Tensions escalated at Jantar Mantar, where clashes broke out between police personnel and demonstrators as security forces attempted to prevent protesters from crossing barricades. The confrontations underscored the charged atmosphere surrounding the ongoing NEET-UG controversy.
This comes amid sustained public pressure over examination integrity, with the NEET-UG paper leak case having already triggered protests across multiple states. The government is yet to announce a formal independent inquiry into the full scope of the alleged irregularities.