Goa Police Issues Extensive Questionnaire After NEET Protests

In a notable incident following protests in Goa, police have issued a detailed questionnaire to activists involved in a demonstration supporting students protesting the NEET-UG paper leak. The protest, which occurred on July 24 in Mapusa, was part of a broader movement that gained traction after students rallied at Delhi's Jantar Mantar. The Goa Police's inquiry included questions probing the activists' knowledge of Umar Khalid, a controversial figure currently imprisoned on charges related to the 2020 Delhi riots. Activists were specifically asked if they had shouted the slogan 'Free Umar Khalid' during the protest, how many times they did so, and whether they were aware of Khalid's background before attending the event. This line of questioning has raised eyebrows about the police's focus and the implications for freedom of expression in the region.

The protests in Goa were sparked by the NEET-UG paper leak, which has caused significant unrest among students. On July 25, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) announced the conclusion of their protests, but not before police detained an individual for displaying a placard that read 'Free Umar Khalid' during a gathering in Panaji. The police summoned at least two protestors, who were questioned about their involvement and the logistics of the protest. They were required to answer a comprehensive set of 240 questions, many of which centered on their knowledge of Khalid and the organization of the protest itself. This extensive inquiry has led to concerns about the potential chilling effect on future protests and the rights of individuals to express their political opinions without fear of retribution.