Kolkata, 24 July (H.S.): A protest against the alleged NEET question paper leak turned violent in central Kolkata on Friday, leading to clashes between demonstrators and police near Dorina Crossing in the Esplanade-Dharmatala area. The confrontation triggered tension in the locality and prompted the deployment of a large police force and the Rapid Action Force (RAF).
According to eyewitnesses, several media personnel covering the protest were allegedly assaulted during the violence. Mobile phones were reportedly snatched, attempts were made to damage cameras, and a number of journalists sustained injuries while reporting from the spot. Independent official confirmation regarding the extent of these incidents was not immediately available.
The protest march, organised by left-wing student organisations Students' Federation of India (SFI) and Democratic Students' Organisation (DSO), began from Sealdah at around 3:10 pm and proceeded towards Dharmatala. Students from various colleges and universities, along with members of other organisations, participated in the demonstration.
The protesters carried flags, placards and banners while raising slogans against the Central government. They demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, alleging moral responsibility for the alleged NEET paper leak and irregularities in other nationwide competitive examinations.
Protesters alleged that police resorted to a baton charge after stopping the march at Dorina Crossing. The situation escalated when some demonstrators allegedly hurled shoes and water bottles at police personnel. However, no official statement was immediately issued by Kolkata Police regarding the allegations.
Additional police personnel and RAF teams were deployed to bring the situation under control. Normalcy was restored in the area after a period of unrest.
Note: The claim in the original text that around 70 per cent of the protesters belonged to a particular community has not been independently verified or supported by official evidence. It has therefore not been included as a factual statement.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
