The Assam government has decided to withdraw all criminal cases registered in connection with the recent protests over the alleged NEET (UG) paper leak and irregularities, paving the way for the release of 13 arrested protesters.
In an official order the state directed police authorities not to initiate any further legal action against those who participated in the demonstrations. It also instructed officials to begin the legal process of withdrawing all five cases registered across the state, irrespective of the stage of investigation or trial.
The decision follows a review of the circumstances surrounding the protests. The government said it intends to treat the matter as closed while shifting its focus towards improving accountability and introducing reforms in the examination and higher education system.
A total of 13 people were arrested in connection with the protests held in Guwahati, Lakhimpur and Nagaon. Those arrested included students, an advocate, food delivery workers and a Congress spokesperson.
Among those detained in Guwahati were advocate Ariful Islam, Mustahid Ahmed, Chinmoy Deka, Amir Ali and Mehdi Alam. Three students — Monjur Rahman, Ashraful Islam and Abdul Kashem — were arrested in Lakhimpur, while Congress spokesperson Birinchi Bora was taken into custody in Nagaon.
Police had booked several of the accused under charges including criminal conspiracy, unlawful assembly, rioting, obstruction of public servants and other provisions. In Lakhimpur, investigators also examined mobile phone records and WhatsApp conversations as part of the inquiry into the proposed protests.
The arrests had drawn criticism from civil society and legal organisations. The Assam unit of the All India Lawyers Association for Justice condemned the arrest of advocate Ariful Islam, claiming he was merely present near the protest venue in his advocate’s attire and had not participated in organising or leading the demonstration.
With the government’s latest decision, police have begun reviewing the arrests and are expected to expedite the release of those detained. Officials said no additional punitive action would be taken against individuals who participated in the protests.
