kolkata

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Kolkata, July 24: The nationwide protests over the alleged NEET question paper leak spread to the streets of Kolkata on Friday, as Esplanade witnessed violent clashes between protesters and police during a demonstration organised by several Left-affiliated student organisations and the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). The protest, which began as a march demanding accountability over the examination controversy, quickly escalated into a major law-and-order situation, prompting police to use tear gas shells and baton charges to disperse the crowd.

Hundreds of students and young protesters gathered near the Dorina Crossing at Esplanade in the afternoon in response to the call for a protest march. As the number of demonstrators continued to increase, tensions mounted in the area. Protesters attempted to move forward with their procession, but a heavy police deployment had already erected barricades to prevent them from advancing.

The confrontation intensified when protesters allegedly tried to breach the police barricades. According to reports from the scene, the demonstrators became increasingly aggressive after being stopped by the police and began hurling bottles, shoes, and bricks at security personnel. Within a short period, the Dorina Crossing area was littered with broken bottles, footwear, and pieces of bricks, giving the busy intersection the appearance of a battleground.

The situation deteriorated and concerns over public safety grew, a large contingent of Kolkata Police and personnel from the Rapid Action Force (RAF) moved in to regain control. Police fired tear gas shells to disperse the protesters after repeated appeals to maintain order reportedly failed to calm the crowd.

The use of tear gas, police personnel launched a baton charge to push back demonstrators and clear the area. Protest organisers claimed that several participants sustained injuries during the police action. The organisations involved in the demonstration strongly condemned the baton charge, alleging that excessive force had been used against peaceful protesters.

The unrest also affected members of the media covering the protest. Journalists present at the scene reportedly faced hostility from a section of the demonstrators. Several media personnel alleged that they were verbally abused, obstructed while performing their duties, and, in some cases, physically harassed while attempting to report on the clashes.

The protest in Kolkata is part of the wider nationwide agitation over the alleged NEET question paper leak, which has triggered demonstrations in several cities across the country. Students and protest groups have been demanding a transparent investigation into the alleged irregularities, accountability for those responsible, and reforms to ensure the integrity of India's competitive examination system.

The violence at Esplanade marks a significant escalation of the movement in West Bengal and is expected to intensify the political debate surrounding the NEET controversy. With protests continuing across the country and tensions remaining high, authorities are expected to maintain heightened security in sensitive areas to prevent further incidents.

The developments have once again brought the NEET controversy to the forefront of national attention, highlighting growing public anger over alleged examination irregularities and the challenges faced by law enforcement in managing increasingly charged demonstrations.