Akola witnessed political protests on Monday following the arrest of a coaching class director by the CBI in connection with the NEET paper leak case. The Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) and the Indian National Congress staged separate demonstrations against Renukai Career Centre (RCC) and its director Shivraj Motegaonkar.
MNS Workers Vandalize Coaching Institute
MNS workers, including members of its student wing, reached two branches of the coaching institute. They blackened RCC signboards, raised slogans, and later tore them down. The protesters alleged that the institute had compromised the future of nearly 22 lakh aspirants nationwide.
The party issued a stern warning, stating that such coaching centres would not be allowed to operate in the city. They demanded that fees of all newly admitted students be refunded within eight days, failing which the agitation would be intensified.
Congress Protests Near Collector's Office
Meanwhile, the Congress party, led by Akola West MLA Sajid Khan Pathan, staged a protest near the collector's office. Demonstrators raised slogans against the Union government and accused it of corruption across sectors, including education.
The Congress alleged that the NEET paper leak was indicative of systemic failure. The protesters burned effigies and posters of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. They demanded strict action against those involved, as well as comprehensive reforms in the examination system.
