Two youths detained in Panaji over support for jailed activist Umar Khalid
Two youths were detained by police in Panaji after displaying placards in support of jailed activist Umar Khalid during a protest regarding the NEET paper leak. The incident sparked further demonstrations at the local police headquarters and drew demands for legal action from the Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha.
Why it matters
The event highlights ongoing tensions regarding political dissent and the legal treatment of activists in India, reflecting broader societal polarization over national security and freedom of expression.
Police have detained two youths in Panaji for expressing support for jailed student activist Umar Khalid during celebrations over the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, officials said.
Mr. Khalid has been arrested in a case related to riots in northeast Delhi in 2020.
A group was on Saturday (July 25) celebrating Mr. Pradhan's resignation -which followed nationwide protests spearheaded by the Cockroach Janta Party on the NEET paper leak issue - at Azad Maidan here when a youth, identified as Danish, displayed a placard in support of Mr. Khalid.
When questioned by the media, the youth said he supported the cause of Mr. Khalid's release from prison.
A senior police officer present at the protest site took Mr. Danish into custody after he refused to disclose his identity.
Following the youth's detention, those who had gathered at Azad Maidan marched to the Police Headquarters demanding his release.
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