Indian police use batons and tear gas on student protesters marching to parliament

Riot police in New Delhi baton-charged youth-led protesters on Monday as they attempted to march towards parliament, escalating demonstrations over examination leaks and widespread educational irregularities.

Protesters ran for shelter near the Jantar Mantar demonstration site as police officers in blue riot gear charged the crowd. Demonstrators are demanding the immediate resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan following high-profile question paper leaks and severe technical glitches.

The march follows the forced hospitalisation of prominent activist Sonam Wangchuk on Saturday, which brought a sudden end to his hunger strike in support of youth rights and the satirical Cockroach Janta Party.

The movement has amassed millions of social media followers since its May launch by giving voice to widespread frustration over unemployment and the failing education system.

Organisers shared footage online of supporters braving steady drizzle and police barricades, declaring that nothing would stop them. Despite rapid economic growth, millions across the country struggle to secure stable, well-paying employment.

The protest comes amidst deep public outrage after two point two million medical aspirants were forced to sit for a retake last month following a paper leak, alongside another scandal involving the online marking system for nearly two million high school students.

Authorities cut mobile internet access in parts of central New Delhi and declared the march illegal, warning that anyone violating prohibitory orders would face prosecution.

Sixteen-year-old protester Shubhi Rao remarked that she joined the demonstration to support Wangchuk and demand accountability, stating that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has shown little concern for the nation’s youth.