CJP Protest in Nagpur Over NEET Scandal Gains Momentum After Assault

Abhijeet Dipke, founder of the Cockroach Janta Party, is in Nagpur to lead a protest demanding Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's resignation over last month's NEET (UG) paper leak. The demonstration is set for 4 pm at Samvidhan Square on Sunday.

Dipke arrived in the city a day after he was slapped multiple times by two men during a similar protest in Jaipur. Footage shows him being struck while supporters carried him on their shoulders. Two youths have been detained in connection with that incident, police said.

Nagpur police have deployed four deputy commissioners, three assistant commissioners, 18 inspectors, 45 assistant police inspectors, 470 male and 170 female personnel at Samvidhan Chowk and other sensitive locations. Two riot control platoon units are on standby. Traffic has been diverted on several major roads including Variety Chowk, Zero Mile, and Sitabuldi.

Commissioner Ravindrakumar Singal said everyone has the right to protest peacefully but warned against any attempt to violate the law or disturb public order. “Strict action will be taken against anyone found breaking the law,” he said.

Police expect more than 2,000 youths from Nagpur and surrounding Vidarbha districts to attend, based on social media outreach. Dipke will address a press conference at noon before the march.

The NEET paper leak, reported in several Indian states last month, triggered student protests and political demands for Pradhan's removal. The CJP has been at the forefront of these demonstrations.