Assam, Bihar say they will release detained protesters, withdraw FIRs

The Bihar government has agreed to drop all criminal cases against protesters linked to recent demonstrations over allegations of a NEET exam paper leak and release those arrested during the protests. This decision follows pressure from the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and opposition groups, who threatened further agitation if the government did not comply with their demands. The announcement comes after widespread unrest across the country, sparked by the CJP's call for protests demanding the resignation of former Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. According to the state home department, no punitive legal action will be taken against individuals who participated in the protests before 6 p.m. on July 26 across the entire state. Additionally, all those arrested in connection with cases registered prior to this deadline will be released immediately. The directive was issued by special secretary Kshtranil Singh of the home department, emphasizing that the government would not pursue any retaliatory measures against participants in the demonstrations. The protests initially began in Delhi on June 6 when the CJP launched a campaign at Jantar Mantar to demand Pradhan's resignation over alleged irregularities in conducting competitive exams. Solidarity demonstrations followed in multiple states, leading to widespread arrests and detentions. In Bihar, 694 individuals were detained during the July 25 strike organized by the All-India Students’ Association (AISA) and Revolutionary Youth Association (RYA). Of these, 355 were placed in judicial custody, while 339 minors and others were released after age verification. Violence erupted in at least 13 districts, with Patna reporting the highest number of detentions. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das expressed relief at the government's decision, stating it was a "big relief" for students and protesters in Bihar. He noted that the move came shortly after the party warned of potential protests in Delhi if assurances regarding the safety of demonstrators were not honored. The CJP had previously criticized the government for failing to uphold its commitment to protect peaceful protesters. Families of detained protesters have raised concerns about the treatment of their loved ones. Some reported instances of harassment and confusion as authorities detained their children while they went about their daily routines. One such case involved Awadhesh Kumar Sharma, whose three sons were arrested by Kankarbagh police. The eldest, Suresh Kumar, a polytechnic student, was reportedly detained for making a critical comment about the Prime Minister. His younger brothers, both minors, were later released after age verification. Detained students faced severe conditions, with some alleging they were subjected to physical abuse and booked under serious, non-bailable sections of the Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita, including Section 109. Families described frantic efforts to locate their children, moving between multiple police stations for extended periods without clear information about their whereabouts. Eventually, many were transferred to Beur jail late at night. Meanwhile, the crackdown continued in other states. Over a dozen individuals were arrested in West Bengal for engaging in violent acts during rallies and demonstrations related to the protest. Many of those arrested faced charges of damaging public property and vandalism. Fourteen people were detained earlier and remanded in police custody after authorities claimed they were not students. Two additional men were arrested on Monday, bringing the total to 16 accused under the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-social Activities Act and the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order (Amendment) Act. The CJP accused the government of breaching its agreement regarding the protection of protesters. Spokesperson Ashutosh Ranka stated that the party would resume protests unless all cases against demonstrators were withdrawn and all detainees were released. The CJP had initially suspended its nationwide protest after the Union government assured it that no punitive action would be taken against protesters in BJP-ruled or National Democratic Alliance (NDA)-ruled states. However, the party expressed concern over reports of targeted arrests in Assam, Bihar, and West Bengal. The Rajasthan government also assured the CJP that no action would be taken against protesters, though it remained unclear whether cases in West Bengal had been dropped. The Bihar Police confirmed that 694 persons were detained during the protests, with 339 minors released after signing bonds and 355 individuals accused of violent incidents presented before courts. In neighboring West Bengal, 14 individuals, predominantly Muslims, were arrested for allegedly attacking police personnel and journalists during a protest against paper leaks in Kolkata. Cases have been filed against 70 persons. In Assam, six individuals were arrested, and at least 24 were detained in connection with a demonstration in Guwahati in solidarity with Delhi protests. In Goa, two individuals were detained for displaying support for jailed activist Umar Khalid during a demonstration in solidarity with youth protests in Delhi.