NEET protest row: Delhi Police debunks death rumours about injured woman at Jantar Mantar
Synopsis
Delhi Police took to X to counter viral claims that a woman injured during NEET protest crackdowns at Jantar Mantar had died — she is alive, off the ventilator, and breathing independently, RML Hospital confirmed. The episode highlights how misinformation is escalating an already charged national controversy over the NEET paper leak.
Key Takeaways
Delhi Police on 23 July issued a public advisory calling viral claims of a protester's death at Jantar Mantar 'entirely false and misleading.' The injured woman, aged 21 , is admitted to Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital and confirmed to be in stable condition.
RML Hospital confirmed she was successfully removed from the ventilator 24 hours before the bulletin and is now breathing independently.
The woman was injured during police action on Monday amid ongoing NEET paper leak protests.
Delhi Police urged citizens to verify information through official channels before sharing content on social media.
Delhi Police on Thursday, 23 July issued a public advisory countering viral misinformation about the alleged death of a woman protester injured during police action at Jantar Mantar, where demonstrations over the NEET paper leak have been ongoing. The advisory confirmed the woman is alive, stable, and receiving treatment at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital in New Delhi.
What the Misinformation Claimed
Several posts circulating on social media falsely claimed that the 21-year-old woman, who sustained critical injuries during Monday's police action on student protesters, had died. The claims spread rapidly before authorities intervened with an official clarification.
What Delhi Police Said
In a post on X, Delhi Police categorically denied the rumours. 'Reports circulating on social media claiming the death of a female protester at Jantar Mantar are entirely false and misleading,' the advisory stated.
The police further confirmed: 'It is hereby informed that the woman is alive and is currently admitted to Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital. The attending doctors have confirmed that her condition is stable and that she is out of danger.'
Urging the public to act responsibly, the advisory added: 'Please verify all facts through official channels before reposting or sharing information online.' The police stressed that 'responsible digital behaviour begins with verifying facts through official channels before forwarding any content.'
Hospital Bulletin: Condition Improving
RML Hospital also issued an independent medical bulletin confirming significant improvement in the patient's condition. 'She was successfully extubated (removed from ventilator) 24 hours back and is now breathing on her own. She is conscious and responding appropriately to commands,' the hospital stated.
The hospital added that while her clinical condition is currently stable, she 'needs and continues to receive comprehensive critical care under the close supervision of the multidisciplinary treating team.'
Context: NEET Protests and Police Action
The injured woman was among students and protesters who gathered at Jantar Mantar to demonstrate against the alleged NEET paper leak — a controversy that has triggered nationwide outrage over the integrity of India's premier medical entrance examination. Police action on Monday resulted in injuries, with the woman being hospitalised in critical condition. The incident intensified scrutiny of the police response to the student-led agitation.
This is not the first time misinformation has amplified tensions during the NEET protests; false claims have repeatedly circulated across platforms, complicating public understanding of events on the ground.
What Happens Next
Authorities have urged citizens to rely only on official statements and hospital bulletins for updates on the woman's health. The broader NEET paper leak controversy remains unresolved, with protests likely to continue as students await accountability from the government and examination authorities.
Point of View
But it addresses the symptom, not the underlying trust deficit that makes such rumours so readily believed.
NationPress
23 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Did the woman protester injured at the Jantar Mantar NEET protest die?
No. Delhi Police and RML Hospital both confirmed that the woman is alive and in stable condition. Social media posts claiming her death were categorically described as 'entirely false and misleading' by the police.
What is the current health condition of the injured NEET protester?
According to an RML Hospital medical bulletin, the 21-year-old patient has shown significant clinical improvement. She was removed from the ventilator 24 hours before the bulletin was issued and is now breathing on her own, conscious, and responding to commands, though she continues to receive critical care.
Why did Delhi Police issue an advisory about the NEET protest?
Delhi Police issued the advisory to counter viral misinformation on social media falsely claiming that a woman injured during Monday's police action at Jantar Mantar had died. The advisory urged citizens to verify facts through official channels before sharing content online.
What is the NEET paper leak controversy?
The NEET paper leak refers to allegations that question papers for India's National Eligibility cum Entrance Test — the primary medical college entrance exam — were leaked ahead of the examination, triggering nationwide student protests and calls for accountability from examination authorities and the government.
Where is the injured protester being treated?
The injured woman is being treated at Dr Ram Manohar Lohia (RML) Hospital in New Delhi, under the supervision of a multidisciplinary medical team.
