West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari alleged that foreign-backed Islamist fundamentalist groups may have been involved in recent violence surrounding protests over an alleged NEET question-paper leak. Speaking to journalists on July 26, he said most people involved in the violence were not students but Jamaat-aligned fundamentalists. He said investigating agencies would examine whether foreign forces had supported them.

Clashes occurred last Friday between police and left-backed protesters at a demonstration over the alleged NEET paper leak. Police used baton charges and tear gas to control the situation. Adhikari had earlier told the assembly that none of about 70 people identified from the protest were students or connected to the anti-paper-leak movement. He also alleged that journalists were deliberately targeted during the protest and that attempts were made on their lives.

The administration has announced that the state’s newly enacted anti-gunda law will be applied against those accused of violence. Meanwhile, the central government is preparing to introduce a 2026 amendment bill in the Lok Sabha on Monday, proposing fast-track courts, two-month investigations, prison terms of five to 10 years, and fines up to 5 million rupees. CJP announced on Saturday that it was withdrawing its 36-day movement.