Left-led rally from Sealdah against NEET leak row chokes traffic in central Kolkata

Widespread protests erupted across Kolkata on Friday as student organizations and political groups staged massive rallies in response to the ongoing nationwide NEET examination scandal. Demonstrations intensified along major arteries, with Left-leaning student wings joining forces with activists to demand accountability, systemic reform in competitive testing, and the resignation of central education authorities. The Agitations saw participation from multiple university student bodies marching across prominent city hubs.

Key traffic junctions in Central Kolkata experienced severe gridlock as protesters mobilized along College Street and proceeded toward Esplanade via S.N. Banerjee Road. A major rally originating from the Sealdah station area led to temporary traffic disruptions near the Sealdah flyover, causing significant vehicular movement restrictions across connecting corridors. Rapid Action Force (RAF) and Kolkata Police personnel were heavily deployed along critical routes to maintain law and order and manage vehicular diversion.

The commercial heart of the city, including Dharmatala and Rani Rashmoni Avenue, brought central traffic to a near standstill as thousands gathered to voice their opposition against police actions on student demonstrators in Delhi. Authorities maintained tight vigil while attempting to keep essential transit channels functional amid continuous slogan-shouting and road-blocking demonstrations.