West Bengal Student Protest: 16 Arrested as New Security Law Debuts Amid Controversy
Kolkata police on Monday arrested two more individuals in connection with the violence that erupted during a student protest rally in the Esplanade area on Friday, bringing the total number of arrests to 16. The protest, organized by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and several Left-affiliated student groups, had demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
The two suspects arrested on Monday were identified as Waqar Azam (35) and Muhammed Javed Akhtar (32). Earlier, police had arrested 14 others in connection with seven First Information Reports (FIRs), five of which were filed by seven injured media personnel. Another FIR was registered suo motu by Kolkata police at Hare Street police station against unknown persons for alleged provocative speeches, slogans, attacks on police, and unlawful assembly at Dorina Crossing.
On Monday, police also took five of the accused back to Dorina Crossing to recreate the scene of the violence.
Meanwhile, the CJP issued a social media appeal to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, urging the release of all protesters and the withdrawal of FIRs. The party claimed that Union Ministers Jagat Prakash Nadda and Jitendra Singh had promised such steps as part of a key demand during negotiations.
The protest began peacefully at Sealdah station, with thousands of students and citizens participating. However, the situation turned violent when police used force to disperse the crowd upon reaching Esplanade. Demonstrators began a dharna at Dorina Crossing, prompting police to resort to a lathi-charge and fire two rounds of tear gas. Several journalists were injured in the clashes.
Chief Minister Adhikari stated that 70 more individuals have been identified for their involvement in the violence, against whom action will be taken under the recently enacted West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2026. This law permits preventive detention for up to 12 months and restricts detainees from seeking legal recourse. The case marks the first implementation of the act in the state.
On Sunday, the Chief Minister alleged that Islamic fundamentalists, possibly supported by foreign forces, were behind the violence. No evidence has been publicly provided to support this claim.
