Mumbai: The protest in the city on Tuesday over the NEET paper leak was supposed to be held at Azad Maidan from 4 pm onwards, with permission granted by Mumbai police. But one of the protesters, Oamkaar Sadarangani, told TOI they found out in the morning that police had rescinded permission.Despite the confusion, a large group gathered at Shivaji Park. “The idea to gather there was spread entirely by word of mouth. There was no official announcement, but most of us instinctively went there,” said Shreya Singh, a postgraduate literature student from Mumbai University. She said youngsters were “afraid” because police had detained people the day before. “But seeing the crowds come in, we were inspired to continue,’’ she added.Another protester said there were also announcements on social media that a group of protesters would walk from Nariman Point towards Azad Maidan; however, that plan too was cancelled. Police put up barricades in the area as a precaution.According to Singh, before she arrived in Dadar with her group of friends, two police vans had carried off several protesters. “But that did not stop people. There was heavy police bandobast at Shivaji Park, but we entered a little late from the park’s left side entrance,” she said.According to protesters, the surge in the crowd at Shivaji Park deterred the police from taking any more detainees. “At one point, the police realised they were outnumbered and announced we would be allowed to remain at Shivaji Park until 6 pm and no action would be taken against us. We adhered to what the police said and remained respectful and non-violent. And at 6 pm sharp, everyone began to disperse,” said another protester.Sadarangani said a big group of women was taken to Worli police station, but Shiv Sena (UBT) activists reached immediately and argued with the police to be let in and allow lawyers to be let in as well to talk to the detainees. “Soon after, all the women were released. The police kept saying that they had received orders from officials,” he added.Meanwhile, the gathering of CJP-supporting young protesters in Shivaji Park and elsewhere evoked a groundswell of support on social media.One Siddhant Malvankar said on X, “Peaceful protest is a fundamental constitutional right. Citizens don’t need permission to protest against the government. Btw, what action does Mumbai Police take against illegal vendors encroaching on footpaths and roads, and how many complaints have been filed against them?”A debate erupted online. Nick alias Nekzaad offered “full support (to) Mumbai Police.” “Whichever side you’re on, if you do not have official permission & break the law, you should be penalized. Some of us have to go to work, earn our livelihoods & pay taxes. India’s financial capital has no time for rubbish. Have a problem? Go vote,” he posted. To which Surendra Deonalli replied, “In no other country, democracy, does anyone need permission to protest.”
