Hundreds of students, youth activists, and parents gathered at Tank Bund in Hyderabad on Saturday evening for a torch rally protesting the alleged NEET paper leak and demanding justice. The event was organized by the Telangana unit of the National Students' Union of India (NSUI).
Rally Route and Participation
The march began at the Indira Gandhi Statue and proceeded to the Rajiv Gandhi Statue. Initially, over 200 people joined, with the crowd swelling to nearly 700 as the protest advanced. Participants included students from the University of Hyderabad, English and Foreign Languages University, Nizam College, Osmania University, and several affiliated colleges, along with Congress supporters and youth leaders.
Voices of Protest
Protesters raised slogans against the alleged leak, emphasizing that the controversy had severely impacted students who spent years preparing for the medical entrance exam. Many carried torches and placards, calling for a transparent investigation and accountability from authorities.
Telangana NSUI president Yadavalli Venkataswamy addressed the crowd, assuring students of continued support. “Don’t be afraid. We are standing behind you and we will always work for you,” he said.
NSUI state general secretary Rachana Reddy highlighted the mental toll on students, especially those attempting NEET for the third or fourth time. “It becomes very traumatising for students. What if the paper leaks happen again?” she asked.
All India NSUI president Vinod Jakhar joined the rally and stressed the importance of NEET as a crucial examination shaping the future of aspiring doctors. He called for a fair and transparent system.
Samuel, NSUI general secretary at the University of Hyderabad, alleged that NEET question papers were being sold for ₹10 lakh to ₹15 lakh, giving wealthy students an unfair advantage. “What about poor and marginalised students who study day and night dreaming of an MBBS seat?” he questioned.
Support from Leaders
Kalva Sujatha Gupta, chairman of the Telangana Arya Vyshya Corporation; Pabbati Vijaya Reddy, former GHMC corporator of Khairatabad division; and Rajya Sabha MP Anil Kumar Yadav were present at the rally, extending support to the protesters.
Demands
The protesters demanded a transparent probe into the alleged paper leak, strict action against those responsible, and accountability from the National Testing Agency.
