Kolkata Police have arrested three more people in connection with the violence that broke out during a protest against the NEET examination paper leak and other alleged exam scandals. With these latest arrests, the total number of people taken into custody has reached 14.
Officials said the fresh arrests were made between Saturday night and Sunday as the investigation into the July 24 violence continues.
Earlier, police had arrested 11 people after identifying them through CCTV footage and videos recorded during the clashes.
Three new accused identified
The three newly arrested persons have been identified as Shahbaz Khan, Sheikh Muhammad Salman Hossain, and Muhammad Zahiruddin.
According to police, Shahbaz Khan lives in the Karaya area of south-eastern Kolkata. Salman Hossain is a resident of Rajabagan in Garden Reach, while Zahiruddin comes from the Bhangar area on the southern outskirts of the city.
Police have identified around 70 suspects
Officials said that around 70 people have so far been identified for their alleged role in the incident. Police have also registered seven First Information Reports (FIRs) related to the violence. One of these cases was filed by the Kolkata Police on its own.
The protest march was jointly organised by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) along with the students’ and youth wings of several Left parties.
Police say arrested persons have no link to NEET
Police sources claimed that none of the 14 people arrested so far are students or have any connection with the NEET examination results.
According to investigators, those arrested are accused of taking part in ‘violent’ activities and ‘provoking’ police personnel during the protest.
Chief Minister blames anti-social elements
Speaking in the West Bengal Assembly on Saturday, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari alleged that anti-social elements from different parts of Kolkata were behind the attacks on police officers and media personnel.
He named areas including Rajabazar, Kidderpore, Park Circus, Garden Reach, and Ekbalpur, claiming that people from these localities were involved in the violence.
The Chief Minister alleged that the attackers wanted to force the police into responding with baton charges and tear gas so that the situation would become more serious. He said the police remained restrained and did not react in the manner the protesters had hoped.
“They wanted the police to use force by resorting to baton-charge and firing of teargas shells. They intended to aggravate the tension and thus create a drama. Fortunately, the police did not fall into that trap. But they continued their attacks,” he said.
(With input from IANS.)