Bollywood Stars Support Students Protesting NEET Exam Paper Leaks

Several high-profile Bollywood actors have expressed solidarity with students protesting alleged irregularities and paper leaks in the NEET examinations. The demonstrations, led by the Citizens Justice League (CJP), centered around Jantar Mantar in Delhi and culminated in a "Sansad Chalo" march on July 20, which ended in lathi-charges, tear gas, and reported violence.

Alia Bhatt praised the students' courage and resolve via Instagram, while Salman Khan described paper leaks as a serious issue and expressed sadness that the peaceful movement turned violent. R Madhavan, Chairman of the Film and Television Institute of India (FTII), also called for swift justice against those responsible for the leaks. Madhavan's support followed protests by FTII students in Pune, who mocked his previous silence by placing memes and posters on his office door.

The movement is linked to a 26-day hunger strike by activist Sonam Wangchuk, who is demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. In response to the July 20 unrest, which allegedly involved attacks on journalists and police, the Delhi High Court has agreed to hear a Public Interest Litigation seeking a National Investigation Agency probe into the events.