A 19-year-old student, who has been actively involved in the NEET protest movement, was allegedly assaulted by four unidentified masked men near BEL Circle in Bengaluru's Jalahalli area on Thursday night, police said. A First Information Report (FIR) was submitted to the police, and the attack is being investigated to find out who was behind it.
A complaint filed with the Jalahalli Police Station said that the student had stepped out for a walk after dinner when the attack took place. This was in the vicinity of BEL Circle, a busy junction in north Bengaluru.
The victim told police that four men arrived at the site on a motorcycle and wore masks to hide their identities. The attackers stopped him, verbally abused him, and questioned him about his involvement in the NEET protest movement.
According to the student’s complaint, the attackers asked him whether he wanted Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resign before physically assaulting him. One of the attackers struck his leg with a wooden stick, causing serious injuries. The accused fled the scene before residents could intervene, the victim said.
The injured student was later treated for his leg injury. Police said the injury is serious, but details of his condition have not yet been officially disclosed.
The victim is said to be known in student circles for his involvement in student-related activities and protests concerning the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test (NEET). However, investigators are examining all angles and have not ruled out the possibility that the assault was solely motivated by his activism or that there was some other motive.
Based on the student’s complaint, the Jalahalli Police have registered an FIR against four unidentified individuals. Police have started to collect evidence from the scene, review CCTV footage from nearby establishments, and speak to potential eyewitnesses in an attempt to trace the suspects.
Police will also analyze surveillance cameras on the roads leading to and from BEL Circle to identify the motorcycle used by the accused. Since the attackers were reportedly wearing masks, investigators may rely heavily on vehicle identification, digital evidence, and witness statements to move the investigation forward.
Authorities have urged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist with the investigation. Police officials have stated that appropriate legal action will be taken once the accused are identified.
The incident has drawn attention on social media, with several student groups demanding swift action against those responsible. Students involved in democratic protests and public movements have advocated for better security for those involved in democratic protests and public movements, while urging the authorities to ensure that the investigation is carried out impartially.
No arrests have been made, police said. The investigation is ongoing, and all aspects of the case are being examined before arriving at any conclusions regarding the motive behind the attack, they said.
