Jaipur:Amid the ongoing nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak controversy, Leader of Opposition in the Lok Sabha Rahul Gandhi spoke with the family of NEET aspirant Pradeep Meghwal, who allegedly died by suicide after reportedly suffering severe distress following the cancellation of the examination.

NSUI National President Vinod Jakhar visited Pradeep Meghwal’s family at Kanika Dhani in Guda Ponkh village, nearly 60 kilometres from Sikar in Rajasthan, late on Friday night. During the visit, Jakhar facilitated a phone conversation between Leader of Opposition Rahul Gandhi and the bereaved family. Gandhi expressed deep condolences to the family and assured them that a strong nationwide fight would be launched against examination paper leaks and the “paper mafia” responsible for compromising students’ futures.

Pradeep Meghwal, a resident of Jhunjhunu district, had been living in Sikar for the past three years while preparing for the NEET examination. According to family members, he had performed well in the examination but had been under severe mental stress following the controversy and uncertainty surrounding the exam. He died by suicide on May 15 at his residence in Jaldhari Nagar on Piprali Road in Sikar.

During the interaction, the family demanded strict action against those involved in examination paper leaks and called for stronger laws to prevent such incidents in the future.

Rahul Gandhi assured the family that he stood with them during this difficult time and that the issue of paper leaks affecting students across the country would be strongly raised.

Earlier in the day, the National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) organised a peaceful protest march in Sikar against the alleged NEET paper leak scam and corruption in the education system, jeopardising students’ futures.

Led by NSUI National President Vinod Jakhar, the march proceeded from Mahatma Jyotiba Phule Circle to CLC Chowk, where students held a candlelight tribute in memory of Pradeep Meghwal. Protesters demanded transparency in the examination system, an impartial investigation into paper leak cases, and strict punishment for those found responsible.

Addressing the gathering, Vinod Jakhar said recurring paper leaks and corruption in the education system were pushing millions of students into despair and uncertainty.