Bihar govt withdraws cases, releases detainees after NEET protest stir

The Bihar government has agreed to withdraw all cases filed against youth protesters and release everyone arrested in connection with demonstrations over the NEET paper leak. The decision comes after the Common Justice Platform (CJP) and opposition parties threatened to launch a fresh agitation.

Government U-turn After Pressure Mounts

Chief Minister Nitish Kumar's administration announced late Monday that it will drop all FIRs registered during the protests and free all detainees. The move marks a significant reversal from the government's earlier stance of cracking down on demonstrators.

Officials confirmed that the process of withdrawing cases has already begun across multiple districts. The step covers all individuals picked up during the protests that erupted after the NEET exam paper leak controversy.

Protesters Claim Victory

The CJP, a coalition of student and youth groups, termed the development a "major victory" for the protesters. The platform had been demanding the release of students and the withdrawal of what they called "false cases" filed to suppress dissent.

Opposition parties, including the Rashtriya Janata Dal and the Congress, had backed the students' cause. They accused the government of using heavy-handed tactics and threatened to launch a statewide stir if the demands were not met.

What Led to the Protests

The agitation began after allegations of a paper leak in the National Eligibility-cum-Entrance Test (NEET) conducted in Bihar. Thousands of students took to the streets, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation probe and strict action against those responsible for the leak.

The protests turned violent in several towns, leading to clashes with police. Authorities had arrested dozens and registered multiple FIRs, drawing sharp criticism from rights groups and political opponents.

Bihar has been a hotspot for exam paper leaks in the past. The state witnessed similar protests in 2023 and 2024 over leaks in other competitive exams.

No Legal Action Against Any Student

Additional Chief Secretary (Home) Amir Subhani stated that no legal action will be taken against any student or protester. "All FIRs are being withdrawn, and those in custody will be released immediately," he said in a formal statement.

The government has also assured the protesters that it will not pursue any further action against the arrested individuals. The decision is expected to cool down the situation in the state.

Opposition Calls It a 'Forced Retreat'

Opposition leaders described the government's decision as a "forced retreat" in the face of public anger. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said the government should have acted sooner instead of arresting innocent students.

Congress state president Shyam Singh Yadav said the withdrawal of cases vindicates the stand of the protesters. He added that the opposition will continue to press for a thorough investigation into the paper leak.

With the cases withdrawn, focus now shifts to the investigation. The CBI is already probing the paper leak, and the state government has promised to cooperate fully.