Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi reached out to the family of Pradeep Meghwal, a NEET aspirant from Rajasthan who allegedly died by suicide on 15 May, as nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak controversy intensified. The phone call, facilitated by National Students' Union of India (NSUI) National President Vinod Jakhar during a late-night visit to the family's home in Guda Ponkh village, came amid growing political and student pressure over alleged corruption in the medical entrance examination system.

How the Call Came About

Vinod Jakhar visited Pradeep Meghwal's family at Kanika Dhani in Guda Ponkh village, approximately 60 kilometres from Sikar, late on Friday night. During the visit, Jakhar connected the bereaved family directly with Gandhi over the phone. Gandhi expressed condolences and assured the family that a strong nationwide campaign would be waged against examination paper leaks and what he described as the 'paper mafia' responsible for compromising students' futures.

Who Was Pradeep Meghwal

Pradeep Meghwal, a resident of Jhunjhunu district, had been living in Sikar for the past three years while preparing for the NEET examination. According to family members, he had performed well in the exam but was reportedly under severe mental stress following the controversy and uncertainty surrounding the test. He allegedly died by suicide on 15 May at his residence in Jaldhari Nagar on Piprali Road in Sikar. The family has demanded strict action against those responsible for the paper leak and called for stronger laws to prevent such incidents.

NSUI Protest March in Sikar

Earlier on the same day, the NSUI organised a peaceful protest march in Sikar against the alleged NEET paper leak scam and corruption in the education system. Led by Vinod Jakhar, the march proceeded from Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Circle to CLC Chowk, where students held a candlelight tribute in memory of Pradeep Meghwal. Protesters demanded transparency in the examination process, an impartial investigation into paper leak cases, and strict punishment for those found responsible.

What Student Leaders Said

Addressing the gathering, Jakhar said recurring paper leaks and corruption were pushing millions of students into despair. 'Students across the country are becoming victims of a failed system. This movement is the collective voice of students whose futures are being destroyed by paper leaks, negligence, and flawed policies,' he said. NSUI District President Omprakash Naga stated the union would continue its movement until strict action was taken. Senior NSUI office-bearers including Mahesh Chaudhary and Uttam Chaudhary were also present.

The Broader Context

This comes amid a widening national controversy over the NEET paper leak, with students and opposition parties demanding accountability from examination authorities. The case of Pradeep Meghwal has become a focal point for protesters, highlighting the human cost of systemic failures in India's high-stakes medical entrance examination. All individuals experiencing distress are encouraged to seek help from mental health professionals or call a crisis helpline.