As nationwide protests over the alleged NEET paper leak continue, television actor Rupali Ganguly has voiced support for students demanding a fair and transparent examination system while strongly condemning violence during demonstrations.

Reacting to videos showing clashes between protesters and police during the July 20 'Chalo Sansad' march in Delhi, the Anupamaa actor said students have every right to seek justice, but attacking police personnel or damaging public property only weakens their cause.

Rupali Ganguly supports students, draws line at violence

In a post on X (formerly Twitter), Ganguly said that those engaging in violence should not be seen as representatives of the student movement.

"Those who take the law into their own hands, vandalize public property, and attack the police cannot be called students. Such actions only weaken a legitimate cause," she wrote.

She added that concerns over paper leaks are genuine and deserve urgent attention.

"The demand for justice over paper leaks is valid. Students deserve a fair examination system, accountability, and strong safeguards to ensure that such incidents never happen again."

Ganguly also noted that governments and investigating agencies have launched investigations, arrested suspects, and initiated legal proceedings in connection with recent paper leak cases while announcing measures to strengthen the examination process.

'Peaceful protest is the strongest way to bring change'

The actor cautioned that violence can overshadow legitimate student concerns and make it easier for political or other vested interests to exploit the movement.

"Unfortunately, when violence replaces peaceful protest, genuine student concerns risk being overshadowed. If anti-national or politically motivated elements exploit student movements for their own agenda, it harms the very students seeking justice."

Calling for unity and restraint, she urged students not to allow their movement to be diverted from its original purpose.

"To every student and every citizen: protest peacefully, stay united, and do not let anyone hijack your movement or manipulate your emotions for political or ideological agendas. Your future is too important to become someone else's tool. Peaceful, democratic action is the strongest way to bring lasting change."

Why are students protesting?

The ongoing protests were triggered by allegations of irregularities and a paper leak in the NEET examination, leading to widespread demands for accountability and reforms in India's medical entrance examination system.

Students, parents, and supporters have held demonstrations at Jantar Mantar in Delhi and several other cities, demanding:

• Greater transparency in the NEET examination process
• Accountability for those responsible for alleged paper leaks
• Resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan
• ₹1 crore compensation for families of students who died by suicide
• Release of activist Sonam Wangchuk

The movement intensified during the July 20 'Chalo Sansad' march, where clashes between a section of protesters and police resulted in the use of tear gas and batons. Despite the confrontation, demonstrations have continued, with students insisting they will keep pushing for a transparent and credible examination system.