Delhi Police has announced the identification and subsequent blocking of approximately 400 social media handles, reportedly revived from an alleged Pakistani intelligence operation known as 'Op Sindoor,' which are now targeting ongoing protests related to the NEET-UG 2024 examination. This announcement comes amidst widespread demonstrations across the country following allegations of paper leaks and irregularities in the medical entrance examination.

The identified handles, previously dormant, have been reactivated and are allegedly being utilized to spread misinformation, incite violence, and deepen divisions surrounding the NEET examination controversy. Authorities state that these accounts are employing tactics such as circulating fake news, doctored images, and misleading narratives to influence public discourse and potentially escalate unrest.

'Op Sindoor' has been previously described by Indian intelligence agencies as an initiative attributed to Pakistan's Inter-Services Intelligence (ISI), purportedly aimed at inciting communal violence and terrorism within India. The Delhi Police's cybercrime unit has been actively monitoring social media platforms following the surge in NEET-related protests.

Key details regarding the police's findings include:

  • Number of Handles: Approximately 400 social media handles have been identified.
  • Origin: These handles are linked to 'Op Sindoor,' an operation allegedly spearheaded by Pakistan's ISI.
  • Activity Status: The identified accounts were previously dormant and have been reactivated specifically to target the current NEET-UG 2024 protests.
  • Alleged Tactics: The handles are accused of spreading misinformation, fake news, doctored images, and misleading narratives to incite public sentiment.
  • Target Focus: The primary target of these activities is the ongoing series of protests related to alleged irregularities in the NEET-UG 2024 examination.
  • Actions Taken: Delhi Police is collaborating with relevant social media platforms to ensure the blocking and removal of these identified accounts.

The NEET-UG 2024 examination, conducted by the National Testing Agency (NTA), faced significant scrutiny after allegations of question paper leaks and discrepancies in marking schemes emerged. These concerns led to several petitions in the Supreme Court and widespread student protests demanding re-examination and accountability. The Union government subsequently ordered a re-test for 1,563 candidates who received grace marks and initiated a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into the alleged irregularities.

The Delhi Police stated that its cyber units continue to monitor social media platforms closely to identify and neutralize any further attempts at external manipulation or incitement. The focus remains on maintaining public order and ensuring that legitimate protests are not exploited by external elements seeking to destabilize the situation.