Suvendu Adhikari govt's major NEET climbdown: Cases against protesters to go

Kolkata: The Suvendu Adhikari government has decided to withdraw all criminal cases registered against genuine participants of the NEET-UG paper leak protests in West Bengal, becoming the latest BJP-ruled state to roll back action against student agitators after Bihar and Assam.

The move paves the way for the release of those arrested during the protests and the cancellation of FIRs filed against students who took part in the agitation.

The decision comes after Bihar and Assam announced similar measures following the Centre's policy direction.

The announcement follows days of political controversy over the violence that erupted during a NEET protest march at Kolkata's Dharmatala last Friday. The demonstration descended into chaos, with a section of protesters allegedly attacking journalists covering the rally. Police had arrested 16 people in connection with the incident by Monday.

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had earlier alleged that the violence was orchestrated by outsiders who had infiltrated the protest.

According to the state government, the police investigation identified at least 70 individuals who were neither students nor representatives of the CJP and had no connection with the NEET movement.

With the alleged troublemakers now identified separately, the government has chosen to distinguish between those accused of violence and students who participated peacefully in the protest.

While cases against genuine protesters will be withdrawn, criminal proceedings related to the alleged assault on journalists will continue.

Officials said FIRs lodged by journalists over the attacks will remain in force. However, those named in these cases are not expected to remain in custody as the legal process moves forward.

The decision aligns West Bengal with Bihar and Assam, both of which recently announced the release of arrested NEET protesters and the withdrawal of cases against participants in the agitation, while maintaining action against those accused of violence.