The Kolkata police have arrested two more individuals in connection with the violence that marred the NEET protest in the city last week, taking the total number of accused in custody to six. The arrests were confirmed by police sources late Thursday evening, though no official statement has been released yet.
Why parading accused barefoot is unusual
On Friday morning, the two newly arrested men were brought out of the police station barefoot, escorted by officers, and presented to waiting media crews. This practice, while not unprecedented in some parts of India, has drawn sharp reactions from civil liberties groups who question its legal and ethical basis. Police officials familiar with the investigation said the measure was taken to "identify and deter" potential accomplices.
The sequence of events that led to the arrests
The violence erupted on August 9, 2025, when a section of students and protesters clashed with authorities during a demonstration against alleged irregularities in the NEET exam. Several vehicles were damaged and multiple injuries were reported. Since then, police have been conducting raids across the city. The first four accused were arrested on August 11, and the latest two were picked up from different hideouts in the northern suburbs.
Who are the accused—and what we know
Police have not disclosed the identities of the two newest suspects, but sources said they are in their mid-20s and believed to be local youth with no previous criminal records. Their alleged role in the protest violence remains under investigation. The families of the accused have yet to be informed in some cases, raising concerns over due process.
Official silence and public reaction
The Kolkata Police commissioner’s office declined to comment on the barefoot parade. However, a senior officer speaking on condition of anonymity defended the action, saying, "We have to send a strong message that law and order will not be compromised." Critics, including some political leaders, have called the tactic "humiliating" and "extra-legal." No court order has been cited for the parade.
Legal experts weigh in
Former Supreme Court judge Justice (retd.) R. Banerjee said, "While the police have the right to investigate and produce accused before the media, parading them barefoot without a judicial directive could amount to degrading treatment under Article 21 of the Constitution." Others have argued that it may prejudice the trial by creating a presumption of guilt in public perception.
Confirmed Facts vs What Remains Unclear
What is confirmed: Two more arrests made; accused paraded barefoot; total arrests now six. What remains unclear: The exact charges against the latest two suspects; whether due process was followed in the parade; why the police chose this specific method. All speculation about connections to larger organized groups is currently unverified.
Wider pattern of police conduct during protests
The Kolkata case is not isolated. In recent years, police forces in several states have used similar humiliation tactics—parading accused without shoes, using handcuffs in public—during high-profile protests. Human rights watchdogs have repeatedly flagged this as a violation of UN Standard Minimum Rules for the Treatment of Prisoners (the Nelson Mandela Rules). The practice often polarises public opinion between those demanding tougher action against lawbreakers and those insisting on constitutional safeguards.
What affected families and protestors should do now
For families of those arrested, legal aid groups such as the People's Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) have offered assistance. Protestors planning further demonstrations are advised to remain peaceful and document any police interactions. Citizens concerned about police conduct can file complaints with the State Human Rights Commission or approach local courts.
Future outlook—what happens next
The investigation is expected to widen. Police are looking into alleged financing and coordination behind the violence. Court hearings for the accused are likely in the coming days, where bail arguments and legal challenges to the parade may be raised. The state government has promised a thorough inquiry but has not yet commented on the barefoot incident.
Our Take
The barefoot parade of accused in the Kolkata NEET protest violence is a flashpoint in India’s ongoing debate over law enforcement versus human dignity. While the public’s demand for swift justice after violence is understandable, police must operate within the framework of law. If the intention is to deter future crimes, the method may backfire by eroding trust in institutions. The coming court proceedings will test whether the arrests were substantiated by evidence—and whether the parade crossed a constitutional line.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why were the accused paraded barefoot in Kolkata?
Kolkata Police apparently used this method to deter potential accomplices and to publicly identify the suspects, though no official justification has been issued. Legal experts say it may violate constitutional safeguards.
How many people have been arrested so far in the NEET protest violence?
As of now, six individuals have been arrested. Two were taken into custody on August 15, bringing the total from four to six.
Is parading accused barefoot legal in India?
There is no specific law authorising such a practice. Courts have generally discouraged humiliation of accused before trial. The Supreme Court has held that handcuffing and parading without judicial approval can violate Article 21 (right to life and dignity).
What should families do if their relative is arrested?
Families should contact a lawyer immediately, seek information on the charges, and ensure the accused is produced before a magistrate within 24 hours. Complaints about ill-treatment can be filed with the National Human Rights Commission.
