Calcutta HC Critiques Security Protocols for Bengal Minister Amid Violence
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Synopsis
On March 7, the Calcutta High Court questioned the security protocols surrounding West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu after he was injured during unrest at Jadavpur University. The court highlighted significant lapses in the security arrangements that failed to protect the Minister during a public event.
Key Takeaways
- Calcutta High Court raised concerns over security protocols for Education Minister Bratya Basu.
- The Minister was injured during protests at Jadavpur University.
- Justice Ghosh emphasized the need for adequate security for constitutional officers.
- Intelligence failures of the Kolkata Police's Special Branch were noted.
- Comparisons were made to student movements in Bangladesh.
Kolkata, March 7 (NationPress) A single judge bench of the Calcutta High Court questioned the security shortcomings surrounding West Bengal Education Minister Bratya Basu, who sustained injuries during a disturbance at Jadavpur University on March 1.
Justice Tirthankar Ghosh noted that as a member of the state cabinet—a constitutional position—the Education Minister is subject to specific protocols, including the requirement for adequate security detail during public appearances.
He remarked that the incident on March 1 did not involve a significant number of individuals breaching the security perimeter around the Minister.
Had the security personnel been harmed while shielding the Minister from the crowd, the situation might have warranted different considerations; however, this was not the case, indicating substantial lapses in the Minister’s security.
The state government’s attorney, Kalyan Banerjee, a four-time Lok Sabha member from the Trinamool Congress, contended that it is not always necessary to have security personnel accompanying the Minister at political events. Justice Ghosh reiterated that, as a constitutional officer, Basu must adhere to established protocols.
During an earlier session regarding this case, Justice Ghosh highlighted the intelligence failures of the Kolkata Police’s Special Branch, which lacked prior knowledge of the student protests occurring while the Education Minister was present.
Referencing recent student movements in Bangladesh, Justice Ghosh cautioned that ongoing intelligence failures could escalate the situation in West Bengal to a serious level akin to events in the neighboring country.
The unrest erupted on campus on a Saturday when the Minister's vehicle was reportedly halted after entering the premises, leading to a confrontation. Students were advocating for prompt elections for the university's student council.
The protesting students accused that as Basu attempted to exit amidst the turmoil, his vehicle intentionally struck two demonstrators, resulting in severe injuries that necessitated hospitalization. Amid the protests, the Minister incurred minor injuries and became unwell, prompting his transfer to the state-operated S.S.K.M. Medical College & Hospital, from which he was later discharged.
