West Bengal NEET Protest Cases: State to Withdraw FIRs Against Genuine Student Protesters

West Bengal NEET Protest Cases have taken a significant turn as the state government announced that it will withdraw criminal cases filed against genuine students who participated in protests over the alleged NEET question paper leak. The government has also initiated the process of releasing detained student protesters, aligning its decision with similar measures adopted by the Bihar and Assam governments.

According to official sources, the administration has begun reviewing cases to distinguish peaceful student protesters from individuals allegedly involved in violence during the demonstrations. While cases against bona fide students are being withdrawn, investigations into incidents of violence will continue.

Government Begins Withdrawal of Cases
The West Bengal government has started the process of cancelling FIRs registered against genuine students who participated in the NEET protests. Officials confirmed that detained students who were arrested solely for taking part in peaceful demonstrations will also be released.

The move follows similar decisions by the governments of Bihar and Assam, both of which recently announced the release of student protesters and the withdrawal of criminal proceedings against them.
The decision is expected to provide relief to hundreds of students who participated in nationwide protests demanding accountability over the alleged NEET examination paper leak.

CJP Demanded Immediate Release of Students
The latest development comes after the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) intensified pressure on both the Centre and state governments.

On Monday, the organisation demanded:
Immediate release of all detained student protesters.
Withdrawal of all criminal cases against genuine participants.
Fulfilment of earlier assurances reportedly made by Union Ministers J.P. Nadda and Jitendra Singh regarding the issue.
CJP leaders stated that peaceful protesters should not face criminal prosecution for exercising their democratic rights.

Legal Aid Extended to Detained Protesters
Expressing concern over arrests in West Bengal, Bihar and Assam, CJP leaders announced free legal assistance for detained students.

The organisation warned that if governments failed to release the protesters and withdraw criminal proceedings within the stipulated time, it would launch a larger nationwide agitation.

Within hours of the ultimatum, Bihar announced the release of arrested students, followed shortly by Assam, which officially confirmed the release of 13 protesters arrested in five separate cases linked to the NEET demonstrations.

Violence During Kolkata NEET Protest
The policy decision comes against the backdrop of violence during a NEET protest rally at Kolkata's Dharmatala on Friday.

According to police, a section of demonstrators allegedly turned violent during the protest, resulting in attacks on several journalists covering the event. Law enforcement agencies subsequently arrested 16 individuals in connection with the incident.
Authorities have clarified that investigations into these allegations will continue independently of the decision to withdraw cases against peaceful student protesters.

Government Identifies 'Outsiders'
Earlier, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari alleged that outsiders had infiltrated the protest to create unrest.
According to government sources, investigators have identified nearly 70 individuals who were allegedly neither students nor representatives of the Cockroach Janata Party and had no direct connection with the NEET protest movement.

Officials stated that these individuals are being investigated separately based on available evidence.

Genuine Protesters to Get Relief
Government sources said the administration has carefully distinguished between genuine student protesters and those allegedly involved in violent incidents.

As part of the latest decision:

Cases Being Withdrawn

FIRs against bona fide student protesters will be cancelled.
Detained students will be released.
Peaceful protesters will not face further criminal proceedings.

Cases That Will Continue

Legal proceedings related to alleged violence, including the reported assault on journalists, will continue as per law.

Officials indicated that while investigations will proceed, those accused in such cases may not necessarily remain in custody throughout the investigation, subject to applicable legal procedures.

Move Aims to Balance Justice and Public Order
The decision reflects the government's attempt to balance the right to peaceful protest with accountability for acts of violence.

By withdrawing cases against genuine students while continuing investigations into criminal offences, the administration has sought to distinguish peaceful democratic participation from unlawful activities.

The development also comes amid ongoing national debate over the NEET examination controversy and the handling of student protests across multiple states.

The West Bengal NEET Protest Cases decision marks an important development in the aftermath of the nationwide NEET protests. While genuine student protesters are expected to receive legal relief through the withdrawal of criminal cases and release from detention, authorities have made it clear that investigations into violence and attacks on journalists will continue. The coming days are likely to determine how similar cases are handled across the country as governments respond to growing demands for accountability and justice.