What happened: Kolkata Police withdrew a suo motu FIR, then bail followed
Kolkata Police withdrew a suo motu FIR filed against protesters accused of violence during a July 24 march in the Esplanade area. The march was held in support of students agitating at Jantar Mantar and demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.
After Kolkata Police dropped the case, a city court granted bail to all 16 accused. The accused were initially remanded in judicial custody until July 30, and later protected by an order issued by the West Bengal Home and Hill Affairs Department.
The government’s clarification stated that no coercive measures would be taken against participating students. Protection was also described as not extending to people with criminal antecedents, in line with the court’s directions.
The reporting also notes that seven FIRs were registered connected with the violence: one suo motu case by police and six additional FIRs based on complaints from journalists injured during coverage of the march.
Background and earlier position: proposed use of a 2026 public safety law and related political statements
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