Overview
The Bihar government announced on 27 July 2026 that it will withdraw every FIR related to the protests against the NEET paper leak. The move also orders the immediate release of all detainees, including minors.
Key Developments
- State Home Department issued a notification withdrawing "all FIRs, complaints and show‑cause notices" filed before 06:00 hrs on 26 July 2026.
- Approximately 694 persons, nearly half of them minors, were arrested for allegedly enforcing a statewide bandh against the paper leak.
- A resident of Kishanganj district, Mohammad Sadaqat, claimed in a video shot in Russia that he was abroad for four months and therefore could not have taken part in the protest on 25 July 2026. He demanded removal of his name from the FIR.
- The Kishanganj SP, Hari Mohan Shukla, neither confirmed nor denied the claim but advised aggrieved parties to approach the police for redressal.
Important Facts
The protest was triggered by a suspected paper leak of the NEET exam. The state imposed a bandh to demand accountability. Law‑enforcement agencies filed FIRs against participants, leading to mass arrests. The subsequent withdrawal reflects a political decision to de‑escalate tensions and address concerns about the legality of detaining large numbers, especially minors.
Exam Relevance
This episode touches upon several GS topics: SP and FIR procedures illustrate the criminal justice system; the role of the State Home Department shows administrative decision‑making; and the handling of minors in custody raises child‑rights concerns. Aspirants should note how media verification (the video’s authenticity could not be confirmed) influences public perception and policy response.
Way Forward
- Strengthen mechanisms for rapid verification of protest‑related claims to avoid wrongful arrests.
- Ensure that any FIR filed against large groups, especially minors, complies with due‑process safeguards.
- Develop clear guidelines for handling exam‑related paper leaks to balance security with citizens’ right to protest.
For UPSC preparation, focus on the intersection of law‑order, administrative action, and civil liberties demonstrated in this case.