WB CM vows strict action against those who attacked journalists during NEET protest

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday assured the state Assembly that strict action would be taken against those accused of attacking journalists during a protest rally in Kolkata over the alleged NEET paper leak.

Making a statement on Friday’s violence, Adhikari said around 70 people had been identified as being present at the rally but were not connected with the protest. He said the accused would face action under the recently passed West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-social Activities Act, 2026, popularly known as the Goonda Act.

The CM said the violence began with miscreants allegedly throwing shoes and water bottles before targeting journalists. He praised the Kolkata Police for not responding to attempts to escalate the situation and said security personnel had been instructed to act only if the situation went out of control.

Six journalists who sustained serious injuries were treated at government hospitals, while several others suffered minor injuries, he added.

Adhikari said six FIRs had been registered in connection with the violence, with provisions of the Goonda Act included in the charges. He identified five alleged accused as Afroz of Rajabagan, Naheed of Kidderpore, Tanveer and Nizam of Ekbalpore, and Rahul Jamal of Watgunje.

The protest was organised by Left student organisations under the banner of the "United Cockroach March" and called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over alleged irregularities in the NEET examination.

(Inputs from PTI)