5 journalists injured as student protest in Kolkata ends in violence trigerring clash with police

Activists from Left-wing student organisations and the CJP held a march from Sealdah Station in Kolkata, demanding the resignation of the Union Education Minister and the dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA). The protesters also raised slogans in support of students demonstrating at Jantar Mantar. The protest turned violent at Dorina Crossing in Dharmatala after demonstrators blocked the main road, leading to a confrontation with police and the Rapid Action Force (RAF). During the unrest, five journalists and cameramen covering the protest were injured after being allegedly manhandled by unruly elements.

According to the allegations, protesters threw water bottles and stones at police personnel after security forces attempted to clear the road blockade. Police then used force to disperse the crowd. Student leaders alleged that outsiders had infiltrated the demonstration and incited violence with the intention of discrediting the movement. Traffic in central Kolkata was severely disrupted during the blockade.

Following the incident, Kolkata Police initiated legal action and registered six cases. Hare Street Police Station also registered a suo motu FIR on charges of damaging public property and disturbing the peace. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari later visited SSKM Hospital to inquire about the condition of the injured journalists.