MAPUSA
Mapusa Police on Sunday questioned youth activist Amreen Shaikh, who had actively mobilised young people to participate in the recent peaceful protests in Goa against the alleged NEET paper leak and in support of students seeking accountability in the examination process.
According to sources, Shaikh was called to the Mapusa Police Station in connection with the investigation into placards reportedly displayed during the Panaji and Mapusa protests that expressed support for former JNU student leader Umar Khalid.
Shaikh arrived at the police station accompanied by her advocate and remained there for nearly four hours, from around 3 pm to 7 pm.
Speaking to mediapersons after the inquiry, her advocate said the police primarily asked routine questions relating to the organisation of the protests, the sequence of events, and whether Shaikh had noticed any placards or heard slogans demanding the release of Umar Khalid.
The advocate maintained that the demonstrations in Goa were "organic" and centered on the NEET paper leak issue and concerns over the future of students.
"The protest was essentially about the NEET paper leak and the future of the youth. It was a peaceful demonstration, and nothing beyond that," the advocate said.
The questioning comes days after the series of student-led demonstrations across Goa, which drew participation from students, parents, professionals and civil society members. The protests were initially organised in solidarity with students protesting the alleged NEET paper leak and police action against demonstrators in Delhi. They later gathered momentum in Goa following controversial social media remarks by BJP leader Narendra Sawaikar, which many protesters viewed as derogatory towards the youth.
The protests concluded after Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan tendered his resignation, a key demand raised by several demonstrators.
The police inquiry into Shaikh has triggered discussions among some activists and participants over whether individuals who helped mobilise the peaceful protests are being subjected to selective scrutiny. However, no allegation has been officially made by the police against Shaikh, nor has any offence been disclosed in connection with her questioning.
There was no official statement from Mapusa Police till the time of going to press explaining the purpose or outcome of the inquiry.
