India opposition leader Gandhi freed after detention at student-led protest

Widespread student protests have emerged across India following a major examination scandal that forced over two million medical students to retake their exams after test papers were leaked. The incident has been linked to at least a dozen student suicides, triggering demands for systemic educational reform and government accountability. The movement has gained substantial momentum through social media, particularly via the Cockroach Janta Party, which accumulated millions of followers within two months of its launch.

Opposition leaders, including Gandhi, were detained on Tuesday while staging a sit-in outside Prime Minister Modi's residence in New Delhi to voice solidarity with student demands and criticize the government's handling of the crisis. Gandhi was released later that evening. Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan responded by accusing opposition figures of exploiting student grievances for political purposes, asserting that the government remains committed to delivering reforms and accountability.

Protest activity intensified on Monday when demonstrators marched toward parliament in New Delhi, prompting police to deploy tear gas and batons. The confrontation resulted in injuries to 118 police personnel and approximately 60 civilians. Similar demonstrations occurred in Mumbai and Bengaluru, drawing hundreds of participants. By Wednesday, hundreds of protesters remained camped at New Delhi's Jantar Mantar site as the movement pledged to continue its campaign.

The protests reflect broader frustrations among young Indians regarding employment shortages and recurring examination irregularities. Activist Sonam Wangchuk, who initiated a hunger strike on June 28, was forcibly relocated to a hospital by police on Saturday and subsequently transferred to a private facility by court order following a petition from his wife alleging illegal detention.