Archive · 23 Aug 2026
PUCL Seeks Fast-Track FIR Withdrawal After Bihar NEET Protests
PUCL is a group that works to protect civil rights.
It held a public hearing in Patna about protests over an alleged NEET question-paper leak.
Nineteen students and young people described what they said happened during and after the protests.
They alleged beatings, gunfire, injuries, detention, trauma, and unfair treatment.
PUCL wants protest-related FIRs withdrawn quickly.
The Bihar government had already announced that certain cases and notices would be withdrawn.
PUCL also wants an independent investigation into the alleged police actions.
It asked for compensation for injured people and punishment for officers found responsible.
PUCL Bihar demanded fast-track withdrawal of all FIRs against participants in the July 22 and 25 NEET question-paper-leak protests.
The Bihar government had announced withdrawal of criminal cases, FIRs, and show-cause notices filed before 6 p.m. on July 26.
Nineteen students and youths alleged beatings, unannounced firing, injuries, detention-related trauma, and discrimination based on religion and caste.
PUCL called for an independent investigation into alleged firearms and baton use, illegal detention, custodial torture, and other violations.
The organization also sought compensation for those injured and action against responsible officers, including over incidents in Sitamarhi and Siwan.
- Who
- PUCL Bihar, 19 students and youths, and a panel of lawyers, journalists, and social workers.
- What
- PUCL demanded fast-track withdrawal of protest-related FIRs and independent investigations into alleged police actions.
- When
- The public hearing took place on Saturday; the protests occurred on July 22 and 25, while the government’s cutoff was 6 p.m. on July 26. PUCL also cited alleged police action at Kalyan Hostel on July 21.
- Where
- Bihar, including Patna, Sitamarhi, and Siwan.
- Why
- PUCL said protesters reported alleged firing, beatings, detention, custodial torture, discrimination, and other rights violations.
PUCL and Protesters
Bihar Government Position
Withdrawal of Cases
PUCL and Protesters
PUCL demanded that all FIRs against participants in the July 22 and 25 protests be withdrawn through a fast-track process.
Bihar Government Position
The Bihar government had announced withdrawal of criminal cases, FIRs, and show-cause notices filed against participants before 6 p.m. on July 26.
Police Conduct
PUCL and Protesters
Students and youths alleged beatings, firing without warning, assault, detention, custodial torture, and discrimination; PUCL called for an independent investigation.
Bihar Government Position
The articles report the government’s case-withdrawal announcement but do not provide a detailed response to these specific allegations.
Accountability and Compensation
PUCL and Protesters
PUCL sought compensation for injured people and strict action against police officers found responsible for rights violations.
Bihar Government Position
The articles do not state a separate government position on compensation or disciplinary action.
- Organization
- People’s Union for Civil Liberties (PUCL) Bihar
- Protests
- NEET question-paper-leak demonstrations in Bihar on July 22 and 25
- Testimonies
- Nineteen students and youths spoke at the public hearing
- Government announcement
- Withdrawal of criminal cases, FIRs, and show-cause notices registered before 6 p.m. on July 26
- Investigation sought
- An independent and impartial inquiry into alleged firearm and baton use, illegal detention, custodial torture, and related conduct
- Additional incidents
- PUCL sought investigations into alleged police action at Kalyan Hostel in Sitamarhi and a controversial AK-47 firing incident in Siwan
- Other demands
- Compensation based on injury severity and punitive action against officers found responsible
