Seven FIRs registered over violence at CJP-Left students’ protest in Kolkata
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Violence erupted in Kolkata and Delhi during student-led protests demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan. Authorities have registered multiple FIRs and are currently verifying the identities of those detained following reports of unrest.
Unrest Erupts Across Student Protests in Kolkata and Delhi
On July 24 and 25, 2026, widespread protests led by the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and various Left-affiliated student organizations escalated into significant confrontations in both Kolkata and Delhi. The demonstrators were united by a singular demand: the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, following allegations of exam paper leaks that have triggered national outcry.
Escalation in Kolkata: Violence and Official Response
The situation in Kolkata’s Esplanade area turned volatile, leading to the registration of seven First Information Reports (FIRs) by local police. Of these, six pertain specifically to the assault on media personnel, while the seventh is a suo motu case regarding the broader violence. West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari has condemned the actions of the participants, noting that while the rally began peacefully, it devolved into stone-pelting against police and physical attacks on journalists.
The Identification Controversy
Chief Minister Adhikari stated that authorities have identified approximately 70 individuals involved in the violence. Crucially, the administration has asserted that none of these identified miscreants are students or members of the CJP, suggesting the infiltration of the protest by external elements. The CM highlighted that police were instructed to exercise restraint, only intervening when the situation threatened public safety.
The Delhi Situation: Detentions and Verification
Simultaneously, in the national capital, tensions remained high following a protest at Jantar Mantar. Social media platforms, particularly X, were flooded with claims that students from Jamia Millia Islamia were being detained while returning to their campus. Delhi Police sources have clarified that approximately 150 individuals were taken into custody during security checks on Friday night.
Navigating the Verification Process
As of the latest reports, law enforcement is actively verifying the backgrounds of those detained in Delhi. Officials have cautioned that it is currently premature to confirm whether the detainees are indeed Jamia students, as the process of checking identities is ongoing. This ambiguity has fueled significant online speculation regarding the nature of the police crackdown.
Broader Implications and Future Trends
These events underscore the growing volatility surrounding the issue of exam integrity in India. The demand for the resignation of the Union Education Minister points to a deep-seated institutional distrust among the student populace. Moving forward, the government faces a precarious challenge: balancing the right to peaceful protest against the need to maintain public order, especially as the narrative remains contested between student organizations and state authorities. The ongoing verification of detainees and the legal proceedings stemming from the Kolkata FIRs will likely set the tone for future student-led movements in the coming months.
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