KOLKATA — Kolkata Police on Sunday arrested three additional suspects in connection with the vandalism and physical assault on journalists that broke out during a NEET question paper leak demonstration at Dharmatala on July 24. With these latest detentions, the total number of arrests in the case has risen to 14.
Following 11 arrests made on Saturday, law enforcement officers nabbed three more men on Sunday. Additional Commissioner of Police (Detective Department) Kunal Agarwal confirmed the development, stating that 14 individuals are currently in custody on suspicion of rioting, assault, and inciting chaos.
The three men arrested on Sunday have been identified as Shahbaz Khan (34) from Karaya, Sheikh Mohammad Salman Hussain (29) from Rajabagan, and Mohammad Jahiruddin Molla (32) from Bhangar. According to police sources, two of the accused attempted to flee West Bengal following the incident but were intercepted near the Durgapur Expressway.
Infiltrators, Not Students
Police sources clarified that investigations so far reveal none of those taken into custody are students or official members of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP), which had organized the demonstration. Authorities suspect the arrestees are outside troublemakers who infiltrated the rally to create unrest.
The CJP also sent an official email to Kolkata Police headquarters at Lalbazar, explicitly clarifying that none of the accused hold membership in or maintain ties with their organization.
The prime suspect in the assault on media personnel and police officers, identified as Mohammad Afroz, was arrested from Andal on Saturday.
Multiple FIRs Registered
The demonstration in Kolkata was part of a broader wave of student-led protests triggered by alleged irregularities in the NEET exam. However, tension spiked sharply at Dharmatala on Friday after agitators allegedly targeted, physically harassed, and obstructed media personnel covering the event.
In addition to the attacks on journalists, allegations have been framed around incitement of public disorder, preventing police personnel from discharging their duties, and physical attacks on on-duty officers.
Police headquarters confirmed that a total of six separate First Information Reports (FIRs) have been registered. Independent investigations are actively underway for each case, with investigators sifting through CCTV footage, news media recordings, mobile phone videos, and eyewitness statements to identify and track down all remaining perpetrators.
