Bihar and Assam withdraw cases against NEET protesters; West Bengal yet to act
The Bihar and Assam governments on Monday announced the withdrawal of all cases and the release of those arrested in connection with recent protests against exam paper leaks. The West Bengal government, however, has not yet issued a similar order.
The decision comes after a student group threatened to resume nationwide protests if the Centre failed to provide a written assurance by Tuesday on withdrawing FIRs and ending action against protesters. The group had earlier reached an understanding with the Centre on July 25, but alleged a 'complete breach' of that agreement, claiming that hundreds of students had been arrested in BJP-ruled states.
At a press conference in Delhi, a spokesperson for the group demanded immediate withdrawal of all FIRs against protesters, release of students, and a written agreement on legal cases. The group also announced a nationwide legal aid cell and an online evidence-gathering platform, with senior advocate Kapil Sibal pledging a corpus of Rs 1 crore for legal assistance.
In a statement, the Bihar government said no 'punitive, retaliatory, or adverse legal action' would be taken against those who participated in protests before 6 pm on July 26. Those arrested or detained before that cut-off would be released expeditiously. A total of 694 people were taken into custody during the Bihar bandh on July 25, with 339 minors and students released after verification.
The Assam government announced a similar cut-off, withdrawing cases and reviewing arrests. Thirteen people were arrested and five cases registered in connection with the protests in Assam.
The arrests and police action had triggered a political row in Bihar, with opposition parties attacking the government. The All India Students’ Association (AISA) national president Neha Bora, who was on a 23-day hunger strike in Delhi, arrived in Patna and demanded immediate release of those arrested and withdrawal of cases.
While the Opposition sharpened its attack, the BJP’s NDA allies appeared divided on the police response, which likely influenced the government’s decision.
