PUCL Demands Withdrawal Of FIRs Against NEET Protesters In Bihar

The People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) Bihar has demanded the withdrawal of all FIRs registered against protesters who demonstrated against the NEET question paper leak in Bihar on July 22 and 25. The demand was made after a public hearing where students and young protesters shared their experiences of alleged police brutality.

The public hearing was organised by PUCL on Saturday, where 19 students and youths narrated their experiences of alleged beatings, assault, and firing without warning. The testimonies were heard by a panel comprising prominent lawyers, journalists, and social workers from Patna.

The panel included Patna High Court lawyer Basant Kumar Choudhary, Padma Shri awardee and social worker Sudha Varghese, social activist Arshad Ajmal, and former assistant editor Pranav Choudhary. After the hearing, advocate Basant Choudhary described the incidents as “state repression” against students rather than merely police brutality.

PUCL national vice-president Prof Pushpendra Kumar Singh presented the organisation's list of demands, which includes an independent and impartial investigation into the police actions. The organisation also demanded that the investigation cover the alleged police action inside Kalyan Hostel in Sitamarhi on the evening of July 21.

The Bihar government had earlier announced a complete withdrawal of all criminal cases, FIRs, and show-cause notices registered against individuals participating in the NEET-UG question paper leak protests before 6 pm on July 26. However, PUCL is demanding a fast-track withdrawal of the FIRs through a formal process.

The alleged police brutality and discrimination against protesters have raised concerns about the safety and rights of students and young people in Bihar. The incident has also sparked a debate about the use of force by the police against protesters and the need for an independent investigation into the matter.

The NEET question paper leak protests had taken place in several parts of Bihar, with students and young people demanding action against those responsible for the leak. The protests had turned violent in some areas, with reports of clashes between protesters and police.

The PUCL's demands for an independent investigation and the withdrawal of FIRs are seen as an attempt to ensure that the rights of protesters are protected and that those responsible for the alleged police brutality are held accountable.

In a statement, PUCL said that the organisation would continue to fight for the rights of students and young people in Bihar and demand justice for those who have been affected by the alleged police brutality.

The incident has also highlighted the need for greater accountability and transparency in the functioning of the police and the government in Bihar. The use of force by the police against protesters has raised concerns about the safety and security of citizens in the state.

The PUCL's demands are likely to put pressure on the Bihar government to take action against those responsible for the alleged police brutality and to ensure that the rights of protesters are protected. The organisation's efforts to seek justice for the affected students and young people are seen as an important step towards upholding the rule of law and protecting human rights in Bihar.

The incident has sparked a wider debate about the need for police reform and the importance of protecting human rights in India. The use of force by the police against protesters has raised concerns about the safety and security of citizens and the need for greater accountability and transparency in the functioning of the police.

In conclusion, the PUCL's demands for an independent investigation and the withdrawal of FIRs are an important step towards seeking justice for the students and young people who were affected by the alleged police brutality in Bihar. The incident has highlighted the need for greater accountability and transparency in the functioning of the police and the government in Bihar and has sparked a wider debate about the need for police reform and the importance of protecting human rights in India.