NEET Paper Leak Protest: Left Student Groups Clash with Police at Kolkata
Dubela: A protest march over the alleged NEET paper leak turned violent in central Kolkata on Friday after members of Left-affiliated student organisations clashed with police near Dorina Crossing in the Esplanade area. The confrontation disrupted traffic for several hours and prompted police to use batons and tear gas to disperse the demonstrators.
The rally, organised by Left student groups, began at Sealdah and proceeded towards Esplanade in solidarity with the nationwide student movement demanding accountability for alleged irregularities in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET). Protesters called for the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the dissolution of the National Testing Agency (NTA), and reforms to ensure transparency in competitive examinations.
According to police, tensions escalated when demonstrators blocked Dorina Crossing, one of Kolkata’s busiest intersections. Some protesters allegedly threw shoes, water bottles and other objects at security personnel. In response, police carried out what officials described as a mild lathi charge and fired tear gas shells to clear the road and restore traffic movement.
A large deployment of Kolkata Police, the Rapid Action Force (RAF), and central paramilitary personnel was made to prevent the situation from deteriorating further. Authorities said traffic movement around Esplanade and adjoining roads remained affected for several hours before normalcy was gradually restored.
Police also stated that some participants claiming to support the Cockroach Janata Party joined the Left-led demonstration after they were denied permission to hold a separate rally. The combined gathering increased the size of the protest and added to the challenge of crowd management.
The Kolkata demonstration reflects growing nationwide concern over the alleged NEET paper leak and demands for greater accountability in India’s examination system. Similar protests have been reported in several cities across the country as students continue to seek reforms aimed at restoring confidence in competitive examinations
