Youth protesters in India have called for nationwide demonstrations on Friday following widespread leaks of medical school entrance examination papers. The movement, led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), is seeking the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. The leaks, which occurred in May, affected approximately 2 million students and have been linked by protesters to several student suicides.
In response to the unrest, authorities in New Delhi closed 16 metro stations and suspended mobile internet services in central districts on Thursday. Local officials also requested that businesses in the Connaught Place commercial area close early. These measures follow clashes earlier in the week during a march toward parliament where police used tear gas and canes, and some protesters reportedly threw stones and bottles at officers.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed the situation on Thursday, proposing the establishment of special courts to prosecute individuals involved in exam leaks. While the government has urged the CJP to enter formal talks, the group rejected the proposal for special courts, questioning the government's ability to prevent leaks from occurring at the outset. Opposition parties have supported the protesters' demands, leading to disruptions in the current monsoon session of parliament.