On Sunday morning, members of the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI), affiliated with Congress, along with the Yuva Sena from Shiv Sena UBT, organized a protest outside the Modern College of Arts, Science, and Commerce. They demanded decisive measures regarding the alleged leak of the 2026 NEET exam paper and called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has arrested a biology instructor from Modern Junior College, Manisha Mandhare, in connection with the alleged paper leak.
Sagar Salunkhe, the Maharashtra NSUI State President, emphasized that significant irregularities in the medical entrance examination process are endangering the futures of millions of students across India. During his address to the crowd, he accused certain individuals associated with the paper leak of receiving political protection and urged the central government to take responsibility.
Salunkhe stated, “The NEET paper leak has caused immense stress and depression among students, undermining the efforts, finances, and time of nearly 22 lakh candidates. A BJP official has already been arrested in Rajasthan related to this case, while key suspects are connected to Maharashtra. For instance, a teacher named P.V. Kulkarni has been taken into custody in Latur. Here at Modern College, the CBI has arrested teacher Mandhare, and we suspect that Nivedita Ekbote is also implicated. We believe that Devendra Fadnavis is trying to protect Nivedita Ekbote by exerting influence over the police.” He reiterated the call for Dharmendra Pradhan to resign.
He also highlighted the tragic impact of the scandal, noting, “In the midst of this crisis, four students have tragically taken their own lives. Currently, 2.2 million students are forced to prepare for the exam again, resulting in a wasted month for them. This additional month incurs extra tuition fees, while their hostel and food expenses have also risen. In light of this, Narendra Modi has jeopardized the futures of these students.”
During the protest, some demonstrators were detained by the police. Bhushan Ranbhare from NSUI mentioned, “We had applied for permission to hold the protest yesterday, yet the police detained us. This seems to be in favor of Nivedita Ekbote, who serves as the principal of Modern College and is also a BJP corporator.”
In response, Ekbote stated that communications between the National Testing Agency (NTA) and the arrested teacher are confidential under existing regulations, indicating that they are not involved in the matter. Additionally, the college announced plans to conduct an inquiry into the teacher’s actions.
