Kolkata Police arrest 3 more over NEET protest violence, total arrests reach 14
Times of India | 26 July 2026
KOLKATA: Three more people were arrested on Sunday in connection with the violence during a protest over the NEET paper leak held here two days ago, taking the total number of arrests to 14.
The latest arrests were made after investigators identified the accused through CCTV footage and videos recorded at the protest site.
Raids were subsequently carried out at multiple locations, a senior police officer said.
The arrested accused have been identified as Shahbaz Khan, 34, a resident under Karaya Police Station limits, Mohammad Salman Hussain of Rajabagan, and Mohammad Zohiruddin Mal of Bijoyganj in South 24 Parganas district.
All 14 accused are scheduled to be produced before a city court on Sunday, where police will seek their custody for further investigation, news agency PTI reported.
"We have been examining CCTV footage, mobile phone videos and other digital evidence to identify those involved in the violence. The investigation is progressing, and anyone found to have participated in the attacks or destruction of public property will face strict legal action," a senior Kolkata Police officer said.
Chief minister Suvendu Adhikari had earlier said the state invoked its newly enacted anti-goonda law for the first time against those accused of orchestrating violence during Friday's protest over the NEET paper leak.
The CM has warned that they would face punishment "their next three generations will remember".
Police said seven FIRs have been registered in connection with the incident, six at Hare Street Police Station and one at Entally Police Station.
Provisions of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act and other relevant sections have also been invoked, PTI reported.
"The arrests have been made on the basis of evidence collected during the investigation. More arrests are likely as we continue to verify the identities of other suspects seen in the footage," the officer added.
The violence broke out on Friday evening near Dorina Crossing in Kolkata's Esplanade area during a march organised by student groups protesting alleged irregularities in the medical entrance examination and corruption in the education sector.
According to police, some protesters allegedly attempted to assault security personnel, while journalists covering the demonstration were also attacked.
One of the key accused, Mohammad Afroz of the Rajabagan area in Metiabruz, was arrested on Saturday as part of the ongoing investigation, the officer said.
Police said efforts are continuing to trace and arrest other suspects identified through the footage.
Addressing the West Bengal Assembly on Saturday, Adhikari said around 70 people identified from the Dharmatala rally were "not students" and had no connection with the agitation over the NEET paper leak.