Indian Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan resigned on Friday amid mounting public anger over leaked medical entrance examinations, submitting his letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi. Pradhan said he was stepping down to protect the integrity of examinations and students' futures, while alleging that individuals in responsible positions had obstructed the re-examination process.
The resignation came as police fired tear gas at young protesters in New Delhi, where authorities restricted internet access and shut 18 metro stations. Demonstrations were led by the newly formed Cockroach Janata Party, which is demanding greater accountability for the paper leaks.
The scandal centers on the NEET-UG medical entrance exam, which was canceled after irregularities forced more than two million students to retake it. The government handed the investigation to the Central Bureau of Investigation. More than 20 students have died by suicide in connection with the scandal.