Three additional individuals have been apprehended in connection with the recent violence and assaults on police officers and journalists in Kolkata during a protest rally against the NEET exam paper leak. This brings the total number of arrests to 14, with the latest arrests carried out by the Kolkata Police between Saturday night and Sunday.
The newly arrested individuals have been identified as Shahbaz Khan, Sheikh Muhammad Salman Hossain, and Muhammad Zahiruddin. Shahbaz resides in the Karaya area, while Salman lives in Rajabagan, and Zahiruddin in Bhangar, all in different parts of Kolkata. Police have identified a total of 70 individuals involved in the rally violence, which was organized by the Cockroach Janata Party and various Left parties’ student and youth wings.
None of the 14 arrested individuals have any association with the NEET exam results, as per police sources. Authorities allege that these individuals were responsible for instigating violence and inciting law enforcement personnel during the protests. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari accused anti-social elements from several Kolkata localities of attacking police and media during the protest, aiming to escalate tensions.
Adhikari further stated that those found guilty would face consequences under the newly enacted West Bengal Public Safety & Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2026, which imposes stricter measures against violent activities. He highlighted that the attackers’ goal was to provoke the police into using force, but the police did not fall into that trap, as per the Chief Minister’s address to the Assembly on Saturday.
