KOLKATA: The Calcutta high court on Wednesday directed the West Bengal government to submit a status report on the investigation into the violence that erupted during a Left student organisations’ protest over the NEET paper leak in Kolkata on July 24, while hearing a plea filed by a journalist injured in the clashes.Justice Krishna Rao directed the state government to file the status report by August 25, when the matter will be heard again.The petition was filed by a journalist who sustained injuries during the violence at Esplanade in central Kolkata.The petitioner sought directions to the state government to formulate a uniform and binding regulatory framework for protest rallies and public demonstrations across West Bengal.He also urged the court to ensure continuation of a comprehensive inquiry to identify and take action against all anti-social elements and groups allegedly responsible for the violence during the July 24 rally.Appearing for the petitioner, the lawyer argued that the Left student organisations’ protest march had been infiltrated by anti-social elements who resorted to violence, leading to attacks on journalists, including the petitioner, as well as police personnel.The petitioner also submitted that the police acted promptly against those responsible for the attacks and that the state government ensured medical treatment for injured journalists admitted to hospitals.Representing the state, Additional Advocate General Billwadal Bhattacharyya told the court that the government was taking several measures to ensure the safety and security of citizens.The matter will next be heard on August 25, when the state is expected to place its status report on record.(With PTI inputs)
