“Asking Questions Is Not a Crime”: Marathi Artists Stand with Students Amid Nationwide Anti-NEET Protests

Protests over the NEET paper leak controversy have escalated across the country, led by youth activists and student organizations demanding accountability and the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. What began at Delhi’s Jantar Mantar has now spread nationwide, including major demonstrations in Mumbai. Following reports of lathicharges and forceful police action against student demonstrators, prominent Bollywood and Marathi celebrities including Sumeet Raghavan, Prajakta Mali, Amey Wagh, and Vanita Kharat—have strongly spoken out on social media and joined protests in solidarity with the students.

Sumeet Raghavan Slams Suppression of Free Speech

Actor Sumeet Raghavan expressed deep anger over the treatment of peaceful student protesters and the growing intolerance toward public questioning.

“Don’t ask questions. Asking questions is apparently an ‘insult to the country’ or an ‘insult to Maharashtra.’ Yet, when public representatives and their goons brutally assault doctors, when bridges collapse, or when Vasai-Virar faces three days without electricity is that not an insult to Maharashtra?” Raghavan questioned. “If asking for accountability gets you hit with sticks, is this still a democracy or a dictatorship?”

He urged authorities to abandon violence and choose open communication:

“Couldn’t this have been handled smarter? Why wasn’t there a dialogue? Get up from your chairs, talk to them, put a hand on their shoulders, and earn their trust.”

“Leaders are calling these children ‘terrorists.’ Are they terrorists? These students are the future of our nation. I salute every young boy and girl standing up for their rights.”

Prajakta Mali and Vanita Kharat Call for Constitutional Rights

Actress Prajakta Mali appealed for calm and empathy, writing:

“I have always believed in two things: dialogue and peace. Any dispute can be resolved through fair discussion, and every individual deserves peace. My heart aches for the pain these students are enduring.”

Actress Vanita Kharat, who personally joined the protest grounds in Mumbai, emphasized the constitutional right to seek justice:

 

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“Today is not just about an examination—it is about the faith, hard work, and future of millions of students. In a democracy, asking questions is not a crime; it is our constitutional right. A nation is built by listening to its youth, not by suppressing their voices.”