New Delhi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday addressed the alleged NEET-UG paper leak for the first time, describing it as a "grave sin" and stating that preventing examination paper leaks is a national responsibility that should not become an issue of partisan politics.

Speaking at the NDA Parliamentary Party's "Mangal Milan" meeting, the Prime Minister said the government had acted swiftly after the alleged leak came to light, with 13 people arrested and currently in custody. Parliamentary Affairs Minister Kiren Rijiju, briefing reporters after the meeting, quoted Mr. Modi as saying the issue was a national one—not confined to any one state or the Centre alone—and that all political parties should work together in the interest of the country's youth.

Mr. Modi called for the strictest possible punishment for those responsible and stressed the need to build a more robust examination system. According to Rijiju, the Prime Minister also urged NDA MPs to engage with students and reassure them that their interests would be protected. He further appealed to NDA allies to ensure the smooth functioning of Parliament during the Monsoon Session and called on the opposition to cooperate on legislative business.

The Prime Minister's remarks came a day after protests over the alleged examination irregularities turned violent in central Delhi. Police used tear gas and lathi charges after demonstrators led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) attempted to march towards Parliament, resulting in injuries and detentions. CJP founder Abhijeet Dipke was reported to have been detained during the clashes.

The CJP has been demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET-UG paper leak, along with reforms to the examination system. The party has also sought the release of Sonam Wangchuk and ₹1 crore compensation for the families of NEET aspirants who allegedly died by suicide.

The NEET-UG examination, taken by more than two million medical aspirants, was cancelled in May following allegations of a question paper leak and was later reconducted. As of Tuesday, the protest at Jantar Mantar continued.