In the aftermath of the violence that took place in central Kolkata on 24th July during ‘students’ protests’, the West Bengal government invoked the newly passed Goonda Act against the perpetrators. The Kolkata Police have reportedly registered seven FIRs, and 14 arrests have been made so far in connection with the violence.
Speaking in the State Assembly on Saturday (25th July), Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that the investigators identified 70 people, not associated with the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), involved in the acts of violence. Adhikari said that the cases will be registered against the culprits under the Goonda Act. The Suvendu Adhikari government recently passed the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-Social Activities Act, 2026, popularly known as the Goonda Act.
The Chief Minister praised the state police for effectively managing the crowd during the protests and dispersing the mob. He condemned the attack on journalists and police personnel by violent protesters. Adhikari said that the protest was going on peacefully until it was infiltrated by anti-social elements, which committed violence and vandalism.
“I condemn the attack on our journalist friends on behalf of the entire House. An attack on journalists is unacceptable. We will take such action under the Goonda Act that these goons and even their next three generations will remember it. This is precisely why this law was enacted,” Adhikari said in the assembly. “The police exercised maximum restraint despite repeated provocation. That was the clear instruction given to them. They did not fall into the trap,” he added.
Addressing the media on Friday morning, the Chief Minister termed the perpetrators anti-national and vowed to drive them out of the state. “We will drive these anti-nationals out of Bengal. If you want to stay here, such activities will not be accepted. I heard that the students from the Jadavpur University hostel were forced to join this rally. We will not allow this,” CM Adhikari said.
Out of the seven FIRs registered in connection with the violence, six were lodged at the Hare Street Police Station, and one was filed at Entally Police Station. The first FIR was registered suo motu by the Kolkata Police at the Hare Street Police Station after provocative speeches were delivered and slogans were raised by the protesters, attacking the police personnel, and unlawfully gathering at Dorina Crossing.
Protests erupted in different parts of the country, along the lines of the CJP-led protest at Jantar Mantar, against the NEET examination paper leak. In Kolkata, the protestors started the march on Friday from Sealdah station. However, the rally turned violent, prompting the police and the RAF personnel to use force to disperse the crowd soon after the rally reached Esplanade.
