The Students’ Federation of India (SFI) has strongly condemned the alleged police action against students who were protesting against the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET).
It had announced a protest march to the Lok Bhavan demanding the immediate abolition of NEET and in support of students who continue to suffer due to the Ministry of Education‘s negligence.
As per an understanding reached with the police, members of the organisation were scheduled to assemble near the Rajiv Gandhi statue at Chinnamalai in Chennai and hold a demonstration.
However, SFI alleged that when a bus carrying its members reached the Saidapet court complex, police personnel forcibly stopped the vehicle and attempted to arrest the protesters when they got down from the bus.
According to the organisation, one protester suffered a dislocated shoulder during the police action. SFI further alleged that women members of the organisation were handled inappropriately by male police personnel, who dragged them by their clothes while taking them into custody.
The organisation also claimed that several police personnel involved in the operation did not wear name badges on their uniforms, thereby concealing their identities in violation of established norms.
Demanding action against the police personnel involved in the assault, SFI said students who were peacefully protesting for the rights of affected candidates and against the NEET were subjected to violence.
SFI State president C. Mridula and State secretary Thou. Samsheer Ahmed urged the authorities to initiate departmental action against those responsible.
Published – June 21, 2026 01:18 am IST
