NEET protest violence: All 14 arrested in Kolkata are not students, says CM Adhikari
Synopsis
West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari has revealed that none of the 14 people arrested for violence at Kolkata's NEET protest rally on 24 July are students — and has suggested the attack may have been driven by anger over the BJP-led state government's madrasa probe and OBC rulings, not the exam scandal that drew crowds to the streets.
Key Takeaways
All 14 individuals arrested in connection with Kolkata's NEET protest violence on 24 July are not students, according to CM Suvendu Adhikari .
Police identified suspects using CCTV footage and videos; a total of 70 persons have been identified so far.
11 of the 14 were arrested by Saturday night ; the remaining 3 were detained by Sunday morning .
Seven FIRs have been filed, including one suo motu case by city police.
The arrested will be charged under the newly enacted West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2026 .
CM Adhikari suggested the violence may be linked to state government actions on Khariji madrasas , OBC certificates , and animal slaughter laws.
None of the 14 individuals arrested in connection with the violence that erupted during a NEET exam paper leak protest rally in Kolkata on 24 July are students, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari declared on Sunday, 26 July. Adhikari said those detained were identified through CCTV footage and video evidence as individuals who had infiltrated the student-led demonstration with the intent to cause large-scale disruption.
Who Was Arrested and How
According to CM Adhikari, the arrested individuals were not student activists but, in his characterisation, 'fundamentalists' who assembled at the rally under the guise of student participation. Of the 14 arrested, 11 were taken into custody by Saturday night, with the remaining three detained between Saturday night and Sunday morning. Police have so far identified 70 persons believed to be involved in the violence, which included attacks on police personnel and journalists.
What the Government Said
'Their only aim was to disturb the peace in the state and the country. All of them will be dealt with under the newly enacted West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2026, which provides for stricter measures against anti-social and violent activities,' Adhikari told reporters.
The Chief Minister also suggested the violence may have been driven by grievances unrelated to the NEET issue. He indicated it could be a covert expression of anger over the state government's recent decision to investigate the activities of a large number of Khariji (unaffiliated) madrasas in West Bengal.
Broader Triggers Cited by the CM
Adhikari pointed to several recent government actions that may have provoked the unrest, including implementation of the Calcutta High Court's verdict on Other Backward Class (OBC) certificates, legislation against public slaughter of animals, and new regulations on sound policy. 'It is possible that out of anger over these developments, a group of miscreants did this mischief,' he said.
The Rally and Its Organisers
The 24 July protest march was jointly organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and students' and youth wings of various Left parties. The rally was convened to protest the NEET examination paper leak and related exam irregularities — issues that have sparked demonstrations across several Indian states. A total of seven FIRs have been registered in connection with the incident, including one suo motu case filed by the city police.
What Happens Next
Authorities are continuing to identify and detain individuals captured in footage from the protest. With 70 persons identified and only 14 arrested so far, further detentions are expected. The invocation of the newly enacted West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2026 signals that the state government intends to pursue stringent legal action against those held responsible for the violence.
Point of View
Rather than genuine student anger over NEET — is a significant political claim that remains unverified by independent investigation. It conveniently shifts the narrative away from the legitimate grievances that drew thousands to the streets. The invocation of a newly minted public safety law on day two of the arrests also warrants scrutiny: broad anti-social activity legislation, applied quickly, can be a tool of genuine order or of political suppression. The fact that 70 persons have been identified but only 14 arrested suggests the investigation is still in early stages, and the full picture of who instigated the violence — and why — is yet to emerge.
NationPress
26 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Were any students arrested in the Kolkata NEET protest violence?
No. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated on 26 July that none of the 14 individuals arrested in connection with the violence at the NEET protest rally in Kolkata on 24 July are students. He said they were identified through CCTV footage and videos as individuals who infiltrated the rally.
What law will be used against those arrested in the Kolkata NEET violence?
The arrested individuals will be charged under the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2026, a newly enacted state law that provides for stricter measures against anti-social and violent activities.
Who organised the NEET protest rally in Kolkata on 24 July?
The protest march was jointly organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and students' and youth wings of various Left parties. It was held to protest the NEET examination paper leak and related exam irregularities.
How many FIRs have been filed in connection with the Kolkata protest violence?
Seven FIRs have been registered so far, including one suo motu case filed by the Kolkata city police. Police have identified 70 persons believed to be involved in the violence.
Why does CM Adhikari believe the violence occurred?
CM Adhikari suggested the violence may have been a covert expression of anger over the BJP-led state government's decisions, including an investigation into Khariji (unaffiliated) madrasas, implementation of a Calcutta High Court verdict on OBC certificates, and new regulations on animal slaughter and sound policy — rather than genuine protest over the NEET paper leak.
