NEET protests: Bihar Govt to release detainees, drop cases against protesters

Patna: Bihar Government said on Monday that it would withdraw all cases lodged against protesters over the NEET paper leak and also release those who were taken in custody and jailed on various charges. The notification was issued by Bihar’s Home Ministry in the evening.

What Bihar Govt said in notification

“All FIRs, complaints and show-cause notices issued in connection with incidents that took place before 6 am on July 26,” the notification issued by the state government said. It added that those people who were arrested by the authorities would be released forthwith, news agency PTI reported.

The state government, however, said that relief will not apply to incidents after 6 PM on July 26, 2026. In its order, the state government said that no action would be taken in the future against the students involved in these protests. It noted that action could be taken if fond necessary to maintain law and order in the state.

It is believed that after the steps taken by the Centre and the resignation of Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, the Bihar government  also decided not to take action against the protesting students. Through this step, the Bihar government has taken a significant step towards reducing tensions regarding this issue.

355 people jailed, 694 detained, including Tej Pratap

Earlier, the authorities in Bihar had sent 355 people to jail in connection with the protests against the NEET paper leak. The figure released by the police said that as many as 694 people were detained. Among them was Tej Pratap Yada, the leader of the Janshakti Janata Dal and son of former state chief minister Lalu Prasad. After the order, protesters would be released soon. Notably, protests had turned violent in Siwan on Sunday, leading to clashes during which the police used tear gas.