West Bengal Invokes Goonda Act; 11 Arrested, 10 Muslims Among Them Over Kolkata NEET Protest

The West Bengal government invoked the Goonda Act against 70 individuals accused of orchestrating violence during a protest in Kolkata over NEET-UG paper leaks and education sector failures. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari stated that these individuals were not students or part of the organizing group, but rather troublemakers. Eleven arrests were made, including 10 Muslims, with seven FIRs registered. The Goonda Act allows for preventive detention of up to one year. Adhikari condemned attacks on journalists during the protest and vowed severe punishment under the Goonda Act. The march was organized by Left student groups with CJP support, starting at Sealdah and proceeding towards Dorina Crossing. SFI accused BJP of involvement in the violence and condemned police action against protesters.