WB invokes Goonda Act for 1st time in NEET violence, CM vows strict action

West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said the state had, for the first time, invoked its newly enacted anti-goonda law against those accused of orchestrating violence during Friday's NEET protest, warning they would face punishment "their next three generations will remember".
Making a statement in the Assembly here on Saturday, Adhikari said around 70 people identified from the Dharmatala rally were "not students" and had no connection with the agitation over the alleged NEET paper leak.
Condemning the attacks on journalists during the protest, he said the West Bengal Public Safety and Control of Anti-social Activities Act, 2026 -- popularly known as the Goonda Act -- had been invoked to ensure exemplary punishment for those responsible.
"I censure the attack on our journalist friends on behalf of the entire House.

An attack on journalists is unacceptable.

We will take such action under the Goonda Act that these goons and even their next three generations will remember it. .