Hyderabad: Union Minister Bandi Sanjay Kumar defended the Centre’s response to the NEET paper leak and said the government had acted swiftly to protect students’ interests. He also alleged that anti-social elements had infiltrated the recent protests in Delhi under the guise of students.
Addressing the media at the BJP state office on Friday, Bandi Sanjay said the NEET paper leak had affected the future of lakhs of students and the emotions of their parents. He said Prime Minister Narendra Modi was deeply concerned about the incident.
Meanwhile, he said the Centre had established a fast-track court to ensure strict punishment for those responsible. He added that the CBI had arrested 17 people, including 11 faculty members, in connection with the case.
NEET paper leak prompted swift action, says Bandi Sanjay
Further, Bandi Sanjay said the Centre understood the concerns of students. He recalled that Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan had apologised over the issue.
According to him, the government conducted the re-examination within 40 days and declared the results to prevent students from losing an academic year.
Turning to the Delhi protests, Bandi Sanjay alleged that Communist groups had created unrest by posing as students. He further claimed they had conspired to attack Parliament and raised anti-national slogans.
Moreover, he alleged that protesters had assaulted police personnel and journalists, including women journalists, and behaved indecently during the demonstrations.
He also claimed that 118 police personnel had suffered serious injuries during the violence. However, he said the police had exercised restraint and had not opened fire.
Accordingly, Bandi Sanjay said the police resorted to a lathi charge only after the situation became unavoidable.
He also alleged that foreign forces were behind the Delhi unrest. He claimed Pakistan-based social media campaigns had attempted to spread misinformation and create tensions in the country. Subsequently, he said the Centre had blocked 480 Pakistan-based social media accounts following the developments.