CM Suvendu calls NEET protest attackers "Gundas", reaffirms strict action

Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday launched a sharp attack against those involved in the recent violence during the Cockroach Janata Party's (CJP) NEET protest march in Kolkata. Speaking on the arrests made following attacks on journalists at Dharmatala, the Chief Minister stated that the perpetrators are not actual students, but "goondas" and fundamentalists attempting to destabilize peace. He reaffirmed that strict action under the state's newly enforced Anti-Gang Act will be taken against everyone involved.

The Chief Minister linked the unrest to lingering resentment over recent government policies, including ongoing investigations into Khariji madrasas and the implementation of High Court orders regarding OBC certificates. According to Adhikari, these systemic reforms have angered certain anti-social elements, who used the student rally as a cover to incite violence. He clarified that the cases registered against the attackers stem from specific complaints filed by assaulted journalists and are separate from the core protest movement.

Law enforcement agencies have registered seven FIRs across the Hair Street and Entally police stations, leading to the arrest of 14 individuals so far, including suspects who attempted to flee to neighboring states. Adhikari reiterated his pledge made in the Legislative Assembly that no miscreant would be spared, emphasizing that sound limit regulations and legal scrutiny over unauthorized institutions will continue strictly despite political or social pressure.