Protesters damage a police vehicle during the ‘Bihar Bandh’ called over the alleged NEET paper leak and police action against protesting students, in Patna, Bihar. (PTI photo)
NEW DELHI: The Bihar government on Monday announced the withdrawal of FIRs against all protesters who were arrested for alleged involvement in last week’s violent protests over the NEET (UG) issue in the state.According to the Bihar government’s home department, the relief would apply to all cases registered up to 6 pm on July 26, a day after the demonstrations. The home department further stated that all those arrested within this period would be released and no further action would be taken against any of the accused.The announcement came hours after the Bihar Police, while detailing the violence during the demonstrations, stated that 694 people — nearly half of them minors — were detained for allegedly attempting to enforce a state-wide bandh last week over the NEET paper leak issue.According to the statement, violence during the July 25 bandh, called by Left-wing students’ unions, left 91 personnel and officials, two administrative officers and 13 civilians injured.Among those detained, “339 minors and students” were released after age verification, while the remaining 355 were produced before courts and were facing proceedings “for involvement in violent activities.”Thirteen government vehicles were vandalised and another was set on fire by bandh supporters. Those injured in the incidents included the SP of Siwan and SDPOs from Siwan and Sitamarhi districts.In Saran, two Block Development Officers (BDOs) suffered grievous injuries, with one losing an eye and the other sustaining a serious head injury.Both BDOs were “battling for life” at separate hospitals in Patna, the state capital.
Cockroach Janta Party warns of fresh protests
Meanwhile, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), the youth outfit that led protests in Delhi over the NEET (UG) paper leak issue, on Monday warned the Centre of renewed demonstrations if cases against all protesters across the country were not withdrawn.The withdrawal of cases was one of the CJP’s three conditions for calling off its agitation, which it ended on July 25 after the Centre accepted all its demands.The CJP had been holding an indefinite protest since June 21, seeking accountability over the paper leak issue. On July 20, a march to Parliament organised by the outfit turned violent, leaving protesters and security personnel injured.(With PTI inputs)
