Police Launch Seven Criminal Probes Following Violent Clashes at Esplanade Student Rally

State to Use Detention Laws Against Esplanade Agitators

The West Bengal government has signaled a hardline response to the unrest that broke out during a Friday rally at Esplanade, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari confirming the identification of 70 individuals involved in the violence. Speaking in the State Assembly on July 25, 2026, the Chief Minister clarified that those identified are neither students nor members of the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP). He announced that these suspects will be prosecuted under the recently enacted Goonda Act, a statute allowing for preventive detention of up to 12 months.

Breakdown of Legal Actions and Hospitalizations

Kolkata Police registered seven First Information Reports (FIRs) on the morning of July 25 following an assessment of injuries and property damage. The legal filings are categorized as follows:

• Suo Motu Case: Lodged at Hare Street Police Station, this FIR addresses allegations of unlawful assembly, provocative speech, and physical attacks on law enforcement at Dorina Crossing.
• Media Targeted: Six specific FIRs focus on assaults against journalists from various outlets, including R Plus, Ei Samay, Aaj Tak (India Today Group), and TV9.

The injured media personnel, including Rik Purakaystha, Krishnendu Majumder, Shiladitya Kar, Rahi Halder, Suman Mahapatra, Makhan Chandra Patra, and Dipankar Dasgupta, are currently receiving medical care at SSKM Hospital. Chief Minister Adhikari visited the facility on July 24 to assure the victims of swift judicial consequences.

Escalation from Sealdah to Dorina Crossing

The demonstration, which demanded the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over NEET-related grievances, began at Sealdah station on July 24. While the march attracted thousands of participants, the situation deteriorated when the procession reached the Esplanade area. Additional Police Commissioner (Crime) Kunal Aggarwal reported that protesters lacked formal permits and occupied the Dorina Crossing with vehicles and high-volume audio equipment.

Police accounts describe a scene where demonstrators ignored instructions to disperse, eventually initiating a dharna. Authorities utilized lathi charges and two rounds of tear gas after the crowd allegedly began hurling bottles, sticks, stones, and shoes. Law enforcement officials maintain that the instigation of leaders turned the gathering aggressive, leading to injuries on both sides and paralyzed traffic. RAF and paramilitary units remain stationed in the district to preserve order.

Political Allegations and Counter-Claims

The Chief Minister has characterized the violent elements as "anti-national," alleging that students from Jadavpur University hostels were coerced into attending. Conversely, the CJP and associated Left-wing student organizations have denied any involvement in the harassment of media workers. Their official statements suggest that the assaults were carried out by external actors planted to sabotage a peaceful movement. The student groups noted that several of their own members were also hospitalized during the police intervention.

Source: The Hindu — Cities