Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi pledged today (Thursday) to punish those responsible for exam cheating 'strictly', against the backdrop of growing anger among students and youth who have been protesting since Monday on the streets of the capital New Delhi, according to Agence France-Presse.

In his first statement on the ongoing protests, Modi said on X: 'We have decided to accelerate legal proceedings and strictly punish those involved in cheating.'

He added: 'Nothing is more important than the safety and future of our youth, and anyone who tries to jeopardize their future will face severe consequences.'

Nothing is more important than the welfare and future of our youth!We have decided to set up fast-track courts to ensure swift and stringent punishment for those involved in paper leaks. Have directed the concerned authorities and officials to take all necessary steps in this... — Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 23, 2026

Indian police fired tear gas to disperse thousands of protesters who marched Monday towards parliament in New Delhi, protesting against cheating suspected of tainting university exams and demanding the resignation of the education minister.

That resulted in 180 injuries, two-thirds of them security forces, according to police, while protesters said the number reached several hundred.

Increasing anger among students and youth protesting since Monday on the streets of the capital New Delhi (AFP)

Thousands of protesters continue their sit-in day and night at Jantar Mantar square in central New Delhi, the Indian capital.

In May, a cheating scandal led to the cancellation of results for an exam taken by more than two million candidates aspiring to enter the medical field. This decision led to a number of candidates committing suicide, according to media reports.

These are the largest protests faced by Modi since his re-election for a third term in 2024, and were called by the 'Cockroach Party', an online movement founded by an Indian student last May.

The opposition has joined the protests since Tuesday, demanding the prime minister's resignation.

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