The article reports allegations that the Mumbai Police have adopted extensive surveillance and preventive measures to discourage young people from participating in protests linked to the nationwide agitation over the NEET-UG examination controversy.According to the report, around 1,400 people have been taken into custody in Mumbai since July 16 during various demonstrations.

Several students and activists claim that, after being briefly detained and released, they continued to receive police notices, phone calls and visits to their homes.

Some also alleged that police officials asked them to share their live GPS locations or instructed them to remain at home to prevent further participation in protests.

Protesters including students such as Preeti Kamble, Nandini Gautam and others described repeated questioning, notices issued under provisions of the Maharashtra Police Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, and what they characterised as intimidation.

Lawyers and civil rights advocates quoted in the report argued that such practices raise concerns about civil liberties, due process and the right to peaceful protest, with some questioning the legality of detaining individuals without proper procedure or demanding continuous location sharing.

Mumbai Police officials maintained that the demonstrations lacked permission and violated prohibitory orders, stating that action was taken because the gatherings were unlawful and aimed at maintaining public order.

Despite the police action, many students and activists told the publication that they intend to continue participating in peaceful demonstrations, arguing that they are seeking accountability over education-related issues and that intimidation will not deter their protests.