Bihar Withdraws Cases, Releases Detained NEET Protesters

In a significant development for students and political activists in Bihar, the state government announced late on Monday, July 27, 2026, its decision to withdraw all cases registered against individuals who participated in protests related to the alleged NEET-UG examination irregularities. Furthermore, all persons arrested or detained in connection with these cases before 6 PM on July 26, 2026, will be released immediately. This major policy shift aims to de-escalate tensions and provide relief to hundreds of students facing legal action. The announcement came amidst mounting pressure from various quarters, including the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) and prominent Opposition leaders. Earlier on Monday, the CJP had issued a stern warning, accusing the Centre of reneging on assurances regarding police action against protesters and threatening to launch a fresh round of agitations if cases were not withdrawn and detainees released. Similarly, Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav had issued an ultimatum, stating that a massive statewide agitation would be launched if the arrested students and political activists were not released and cases withdrawn by Monday evening. The protests in Bihar, which witnessed widespread participation, were a direct response to alleged irregularities and a paper leak in the NEET-UG examination, a crucial entrance test for medical courses in India. Students across the state had taken to the streets, demanding accountability, reforms in the examination system, and the resignation of the then-Union Education Minister. The demonstrations, particularly a 'Bihar Bandh' called on July 25, 2026, by left-wing student unions in solidarity with the CJP's agitation in Delhi, had turned violent in several districts. The Bihar Police had responded with a widespread crackdown, leading to the detention of 694 people across the state. Of these, 355 youths were remanded in judicial custody, while 339 minors and others were released after age verification. Reports indicated that 91 police personnel, including senior officers, and 13 civilians sustained injuries, and public property, including government vehicles, was damaged and even torched during the unrest. There were also allegations of excessive force, including an incident where a police personnel was seen firing an AK-47 in Siwan, leading to his suspension. According to an official notification issued by Kshatraneel Singh, Special Secretary, Home Department, Government of Bihar, the government has adopted a "humanitarian approach" towards the students. The decision underscores the state's intention to safeguard the future of the students, ensuring that their careers and education are not adversely affected by their participation in the protests. The move has been widely welcomed by student organizations, parents, and opposition parties, who see it as a significant victory for the student movement. CJP spokesperson Saurav Das described the decision as a "big relief" for students and protesters. However, CJP leaders have also stated that they will continue to monitor the situation to ensure that the government's assurances are fully implemented, particularly concerning the release of all detainees and the withdrawal of all FIRs. While Bihar has acted, the situation in other states like West Bengal, where protests also saw arrests and legal action, remains unclear. CJP had appealed to the West Bengal Chief Minister, but as of the reporting, there was no similar announcement from the state government. This highlights the continued demand for a broader resolution to the issue of police action against protesters nationwide, which was one of the CJP's key demands for calling off its agitation. The Bihar government's decision marks a crucial step in addressing the grievances of the protesting youth and diffusing a tense political situation. The assurance of no punitive or retaliatory legal action in the future against those involved in protests before the stipulated date provides a measure of security for the affected individuals.

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