3 more arrested over Kolkata NEET protest, 14 held so far
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Kolkata: Three more people have been arrested in connection with the clashes and attacks on police personnel and journalists during a protest rally in Kolkata on July 24 against the alleged NEET examination paper leak and other exam-related scandals, officials said on Sunday.
With the latest arrests, the total number of people held in connection with the incident has risen to 14.
The fresh arrests were made between Saturday night and Sunday by the Kolkata Police. Earlier, 11 people had been arrested after they were identified through CCTV footage and video recordings of the clashes.
The three latest arrestees have been identified as Shahbaz Khan, Sheikh Muhammad Salman Hossain and Muhammad Zahiruddin. Shahbaz is a resident of the Karaya area in southeastern Kolkata, while Salman is from Rajabagan in Garden Reach on the city's southern outskirts. Zahiruddin is a resident of Bhangar, also on the southern outskirts of Kolkata.
Police have so far identified 70 people allegedly involved in the violence during the rally, which was jointly organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and the students' and youth wings of various Left parties.
Seven FIRs have been registered in connection with the incident, including a suo motu case filed by the city police.
According to police sources, none of the 14 people arrested so far are students or have any connection with the NEET examination results. The authorities have alleged that the accused were involved in orchestrating violence and provoking law enforcement personnel during the demonstrations.
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, while addressing the Assembly on Saturday, alleged that anti-social elements from several areas of Kolkata, including Rajabazar, Kidderpore, Park Circus, Garden Reach and Ekbalpur, were responsible for attacking police personnel and media persons during the protest.
He claimed that their objective was to provoke the police into using force, thereby escalating tensions.
The Chief Minister also said that those found guilty would face action under the newly enacted West Bengal Public Safety & Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2026, which provides for stricter measures against anti-social and violent activities.
“They wanted the police to use force by resorting to baton-charge and firing of teargas shells. They intended to aggravate the tension and thus create a drama. Fortunately, the police did not fall into that trap. But they continued their attacks,” the Chief Minister had said.
With IANS inputs