West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Saturday condemned the attacks on journalists during a protest march over the alleged NEET paper leak and promised the "strictest action" against those responsible under the recently enacted West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-social Activities Act, 2026, commonly known as the Goonda Act.
Addressing the West Bengal Assembly, Adhikari said around 70 people had been identified who were present during Friday's rally in Kolkata but had no connection with the protest.
The demonstration, organised by Left-wing student organisations, demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged NEET paper leak.
The chief minister alleged that the trouble began with miscreants throwing shoes and water bottles before targeting journalists after police refused to respond to repeated attempts to provoke a confrontation.
He said the accused would face the strictest action under the Goonda Act.
Referring to the protest, Adhikari said it had been held under the banner of the "United Cockroach March", announced by a self-declared member of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), with participation from Left and ultra-Left organisations.
“In a democratic country, anyone can exercise their democratic rights by abiding by the law and protesting peacefully,” he said.
Adhikari said police had been instructed not to intervene unless the situation went out of control. He praised Kolkata Police for showing restraint despite what he described as attempts by protesters to provoke a baton charge and the use of tear gas.
According to the chief minister, six journalists who sustained serious injuries received treatment at government hospitals, while several others suffered minor injuries.
He said six FIRs had been registered in connection with the violence, with provisions of the Goonda Act invoked in the cases.
Adhikari further alleged that the 70 identified individuals were neither students nor CJP members and had no connection with the NEET-related protests.
He also named five individuals, Afroz of Rajabagan, Naheed of Kidderpore, Tanveer and Nizam of Ekbalpore, and Rahul Jamal of Watgunge, alleging they were involved in the violence during Friday's protest at Esplanade.
(With inputs from PTI)
