
Nearly 2,000 students and teachers from across India converged at Delhi’s Ramlila Maidan to protest alleged irregularities in Staff Selection Commission exams on Sunday.
Despite having permission to gather until 5 pm, the demonstration grew tense as police reportedly resorted to lathi-charge and detained over 40 students who stayed on the spot beyond the allotted period. Police claimed the action was necessary to maintain order, but student groups saw it as an attempt to suppress peaceful dissent.
They also claim bids to hijack the peaceful demonstration.
The protest had seen a confrontation between students and teachers, with some protesters accusing educators of compromising the movement by seeking publicity. "They arrived in luxury cars and bodyguards, then ended our protest," a student alleged at a press conference on August 25.
Others described scenes of harassment, late-night detentions, and financial hardship as they tried to stand up for their rights.
The protest follows a series of similar demonstrations, with thousands demanding exam reforms, accountability, and transparency. Despite assurances from SSC officials of technical fixes and future re-exams, discontent continues as students allege the root problems remain unaddressed.
Watch.
Newslaundry is a reader-supported, ad-free, independent news outlet based out of New Delhi. Support their journalism, here.