Kolkata Police arrest 11 over violence, attacks on journalists during July 24 rally

Kolkata Police have arrested 11 people in connection with the violence and attacks on journalists that took place during a student rally in the city on July 24. Police said those arrested were not students but "trouble mongers" allegedly involved in vandalism during the protest.

Police say accused were 'trouble mongers', not students

Additional Commissioner of Police (Crime) Kunal Aggarwal said all 11 arrested individuals were allegedly involved in the violence and attacks on journalists during the rally.

"A total of 11 accused were arrested in connection with violence and attack on journalists. None of them are students. They are all trouble mongers who were present at the CJP rally and engaged in vandalism," Aggarwal stated.

The arrested individuals have been identified as Irfan Khurshed (30), Arshad Ali alias Sajid (50), Md Moinuddin (26), Md Alamgir alias Raju (48), Imran Ahmed alias Gopi (19), Khalid Reja alias Rinku (47), Zamir Ahmed alias Minku (42), Mohsin Khan (30), and Dipak Bhowmick alias Vicky (38).

Police further said, "Md Azad and Md Afroz were trying to flee from West Bengal, but were caught on the Durgapur expressway near Andal."

Chief Minister condemns attacks, orders strict action

Earlier in the day, West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari condemned what he described as the "brutal attack" on police personnel and journalists during the protests. He visited injured journalists undergoing treatment at SSKM Hospital in Kolkata and directed authorities to ensure proper medical care while initiating strict legal action against those responsible.

"I strongly condemn the brutal attack by miscreants on Police Personnel and Journalists in Kolkata today. Several injured Journalists are currently undergoing treatment at SSKM Hospital. I visited the Hospital to meet the injured Journalists and personally enquired about their health. I have issued directions to ensure that they receive the best treatment possible. Strict legal action will be taken against all the culprits involved. I have asked the CP Kolkata Police to identify the miscreants and initiate legal action against them," he said.

Student protests linked to NEET paper leak issue

The violence occurred as multiple protests were held across Kolkata in solidarity with the ongoing Jantar Mantar agitation against alleged examination paper leaks and Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan.

Members of the All India Democratic Students' Organisation (AIDSO) also staged a demonstration in Kolkata over the NEET paper leak issue, during which some protesters were seen throwing bottles.

(With inputs from ANI)