Bihar Withdraws FIRs, Releases Detainees Amid NEET Protest Fallout

Government Backtracks on Legal Action

The Bihar government has announced it will withdraw all First Information Reports (FIRs) filed against students and protesters involved in demonstrations over the NEET paper leak. Officials confirmed that detainees arrested during the protests will be released. The move comes after weeks of escalating tensions across the state.

The decision was welcomed by the Civil Justice Party (CJP), which termed it a 'major victory' for the student community. The CJP had been at the forefront of the protests, demanding the release of those arrested and the dropping of all charges.

Protesters Hail 'Major Victory'

The CJP leadership stated that the government's assurance means 'no legal action' will be taken against the protesters and that the FIRs are being withdrawn. This marks a significant reversal from the earlier hardline stance taken by the state administration.

Students who had been in custody since the protests began are expected to be released in the coming days. Family members of the detainees have expressed relief, with many gathering outside jails and police stations to welcome their loved ones.

Siwan Incident Prompts Action

The announcement follows a controversial incident in Siwan, where a police personnel was seen firing an AK-47 rifle at student protesters. The officer has been suspended pending an inquiry. The incident had drawn widespread condemnation and intensified demands for the withdrawal of cases against the students.

Video footage of the Siwan firing had gone viral on social media, putting additional pressure on the state government to act. The suspension of the officer is seen as an attempt to de-escalate the situation and restore faith in the law enforcement machinery.

What Led to the Protests

The protests erupted after allegations of a large-scale paper leak in the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET) for medical admissions. Students accused the authorities of failing to ensure a fair examination process. The demands for a re-test and a thorough investigation quickly turned into street demonstrations across Bihar.

The state government's initial response involved mass arrests and the use of force to disperse crowds. This only fueled the anger, leading to more widespread protests and calls for accountability.

With the FIRs now being withdrawn and detainees freed, the immediate crisis appears to have been averted. The focus now shifts to the broader investigation into the paper leak itself and the steps the government will take to prevent such incidents in the future.