Kolkata police arrested two more individuals after the violent clash at a student rally, raising the total number of detainees to 16. The Cockroach Janata Party has appealed to the Chief Minister for the immediate release of all protesters and the withdrawal of FIRs.

Key Takeaways

  • Two more individuals arrested, bringing total to 16.
  • CJP urges CM Suvendu Adhikari to release all detainees.
  • New West Bengal Public Safety Act invoked for preventive detention.

On July 27, 2026, Kolkata police apprehended Waqar Azam (35) and Muhammed Javed Akhtar (32) in connection with the violent clash that erupted during a student rally organized by the Cockroach Janata Party (CJP) and left‑leaning student groups at Esplanade.

The protest, which began at Sealdah station and drew thousands of students and citizens, turned chaotic when law‑enforcement resorted to lathi‑charges and two rounds of tear‑gas as demonstrators attempted a dharna at Dorina Crossing.

In total, 16 people have been detained, including 14 arrests earlier linked to seven FIRs—five of which were filed by injured journalists. The police also recreated the violent scene with five suspects at Dorina Crossing for investigative purposes.

Historical Background

Student movements have long been a catalyst for political change in West Bengal, from the 1960s Naxalite uprisings to recent NEET paper‑leak protests. The CJP, a relatively new party, capitalizes on anti‑establishment sentiment, demanding the resignation of Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan over the alleged leak.

Why This Matters

BozokMedia analysis shows that the deployment of the freshly enacted West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti‑Social Activities Act signals a hardening stance by the state government, potentially curbing dissent and raising concerns about civil liberties.

"The rapid escalation from a peaceful march to a police‑driven crackdown reflects a broader trend of diminishing space for student activism in India," says constitutional law expert Dr. Ananya Rao.
Did You Know?: The NEET paper leak controversy sparked over 30 separate protests across India in the past year alone.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Who are the two individuals arrested on July 27?
A: Waqar Azam, 35, and Muhammed Javed Akhtar, 32, were taken into custody for alleged involvement in the Esplanade violence.

Q2: What does the new West Bengal law allow?
A: The 2026 Public Safety Act permits preventive detention for up to 12 months without granting the accused immediate legal recourse.