‘Ask NIA to come after 20th’ Ranjini Haridas responds to ‘paid to protest’ allegation

Television presenter and actor Ranjini Haridas has reacted to a fake social media post claiming that the National Investigation Agency (NIA) was investigating her and other influencers for allegedly accepting money to participate in the CJP student protests at Jantar Mantar in Delhi.

Responding in the comments section of the viral post, Ranjini wrote with sarcasm, "Can you ask the NIA to come after the 20th of next month? I'm a little busy until then. Anyway, thanks for letting me know."

Her comment quickly drew support from several social media users, many of whom praised her response to the false claim.

Earlier, after extending her support to the protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), Ranjini had strongly hit back at BJP leader B. Gopalakrishnan, who had alleged that she was paid to participate in the demonstrations.

Rejecting the accusation, Ranjini challenged those making the claim to prove it. She also made it clear that she would continue to stand with the students until the end of the movement.

"Who said that? What's his name? I've never even heard of him! If I was paid to take part in the protest, then those making the allegation should prove it. If they can tell me exactly how much funding I received, I can check my bank account and respond. Let them come to me with evidence. We can sit across a table and discuss it. Perhaps getting paid to stage protests is their habit," Ranjini said.

Ranjini Haridas was among the public figures who travelled to Delhi to express solidarity with students participating in the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP)-led demonstrations at Jantar Mantar. Throughout the protests, she shared updates on social media, voiced support for the students' demands, and questioned the authorities' response to the movement.

She also criticised the removal of education reform campaigner Sonam Wangchuk from the protest site, saying the agitation reflected growing concerns over transparency and accountability in the country's education system.

The CJP-led protests began over allegations surrounding irregularities in the NEET examination process but soon expanded into a wider campaign demanding reforms in India's education system.

As demonstrations gained momentum across several cities, protesters called for greater transparency in competitive examinations and sought the resignation of the Union Education Minister.

The movement eventually concluded after the Centre accepted some of the key demands, including the minister's resignation, drawing support from several actors, influencers and public personalities, including Ranjini Haridas.