Goa Police have launched an investigation into the display of a ‘Free Umar Khalid’ banner during protests against the NEET paper leak, with organisers alleging that they have been repeatedly summoned by the police and subjected to prolonged questioning.
One of the organisers, Amreen Sheikh, who heads the NGO Ujwad, claimed that during one round of interrogation, she was made to answer a handwritten questionnaire containing around 250 questions as the police trace how the placard found its way into the demonstrations.
“I was given a questionnaire containing around 250 questions, and I had to write all the answers by hand,” she said.
She alleged that she has since been summoned multiple times to police stations, where investigators have repeatedly asked her the same questions.
“It feels like I am being harassed. I am being called again and again and asked the same questions,” Sheikh said.
The probe began after a ‘Free Umar Khalid’ banner surfaced during anti-paper leak protests held in Panaji and Mapusa earlier this week. The demonstrations were organised to demand a fair investigation into the examination paper leak and broader reforms in the education system.
Police are investigating how the banner was brought into the protest and whether the individual carrying it had any links with the organisers.
Umar Khalid, a former JNU student leader, was arrested in connection with an alleged conspiracy behind the 2020 Delhi riots under anti-terror and criminal laws and remains in judicial custody.
A 30-year-old man from East Delhi, Mohammad Zanskar Danish, was taken into preventive custody after he was seen carrying the ‘Free Umar Khalid’ placard. Police said he was detained after allegedly refusing to produce an identity card when asked.
His detention sparked another protest outside the Goa Police headquarters, where demonstrators demanded his release. BJP workers also gathered at the spot, and a complaint was later filed alleging that some BJP women workers were misbehaved with during the protest.
Chief Minister Pramod Sawant said he had directed the police to conduct a thorough investigation while reiterating that the right to protest could not be used to advance unrelated political or ideological agendas.
“Everyone has the right to protest. But if someone uses such protests to display messages like ‘Free Umar Khalid’ or to promote any hidden agenda, strict action will be taken,” Sawant said.
‘WASN’T CARRYING ANY PLACARD’
Sheikh said investigators repeatedly questioned her about a placard she was allegedly carrying during the protest.
“I wasn’t carrying any placard. I simply raised my voice to say that children’s Right to Education must be protected. India’s future will be built on education,” she said.
She maintained that the protest was never directed against the government.
“We were not protesting against the government. In fact, we said we were willing to work with the government to bring reforms. The protest was an act of solidarity with students and with Sonam Wangchuk. Unfortunately, it has now been taken in a completely different direction.”
Sheikh strongly denied any association with Umar Khalid, saying police repeatedly questioned her about alleged links with the former JNU student leader.
‘FACING ONLINE ABUSE’
The organiser said the controversy had also led to sustained online abuse and attempts to communalise the issue.
“Only a few days ago, people were calling me the ‘Daughter of Goa’. Today, efforts are being made to take away that trust. But I have faith in Goa and the people of Goa.”
Referring to comments focusing on her identity, she said, “I was born and brought up in Goa. Never in my life have I faced discrimination because of my name, and I don’t want to believe I am being judged because of it today.”
Police said the investigation is continuing to determine how the ‘Free Umar Khalid’ banner appeared at the protest and whether there was any connection between the individual carrying it and the organisers.
– Ends
(Inputs by Ravaji Dattaram Desai in Panaji)
Published On:
Jul 30, 2026 13:02 IST
