CJP: ‘Unknown criminals’ spotted at Kolkata protest; CM Suvendu Adhikari promises to lead by example with severe punishment | Today’s news
Seventy people have been identified from Friday’s student protest, according to West Bengal Chief Minister Suvenda Adhikari. He said that 7 cases have been registered after the Dharmatala march violence, Anandabazar Patrika reported.
This is the first time the newly enacted Goondy Suppression Act will be invoked. CM Adhikari warned that the perpetrators face a punishment that will be remembered by their families for a long time.
Police confirmed that 5 complaints came directly from media organisations. In addition, the police registered one case separately.
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The charges include unlawful assembly, disorderly conduct and obstructing public servants. Formal charges also included incitement to violence.
The Cockroach Janata Party protest in Delhi spread to Kolkata on 24 July. Protesters marched in Dharmatala against the alleged NEET paper leak. CJP supporters and left-wing student groups joined the march together.
According to the police, there were attempts to attack the officers during the proceedings. Journalists were reportedly attacked during the chaotic scenes.
Addressing a rally on Saturday, the Bengal CM directly condemned the attacks on journalists. He said the police remained restrained despite repeated attempts at provocation.
Six FIRs have been registered at the Hare Street police station. One other case was handled separately at Entally Police Station.
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Suvendu Adhikari described how the violence escalated once the marchers reached the Dorina crossing. Protesters allegedly threw shoes and bottles and deliberately aimed at journalists.
The Bengal CM claimed that the intention was to provoke the police into baton charges. The officers reportedly resisted this provocation, although 6 journalists were seriously injured.
The Chief Minister insisted that none of the 70 identified were genuine students. He also claimed that no one had any real connection with the NEET protest movement.
Adhikari named 5 individuals whom he called “notorious criminals”. These included residents from Rajabagan, Kidderpore, Ekbalpur and Watgunge. By the way, all the names he mentioned were Muslims.
“I am naming these five goons. We will take action against them under the Goonda Suppression Act in such a way that not only they but three generations of their families will remember it,” CM Anandabazar quoted Patrika as saying.
Severe punishment
He promised strict action against these 5 under the new law. According to Adhikari, this shows exactly why the legislation was necessary.
He also alleged that left-wing student organizations, including the SFI, had infiltrated the proceedings. He questioned whether many of the participants had actual college degrees.
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According to CM Adhikari, throwing bottles or shoes is not part of Bengali culture.
“If throwing eggs is not part of West Bengal’s culture, then throwing water bottles or shoes at journalists is not part of the state’s culture,” Adhikari added.
BJP MLAs announced plans to wear black badges during the lunch break at the assembly on 25 July. The gesture was in protest against reported attacks against journalists.
