Humayun Kabir summoned in Bengal audio clip case ahead of Rejinagar by-poll
Synopsis
Days before the Rejinagar constituency by-election, AJUP founder and MLA Humayun Kabir has been summoned by Baharampur police over a viral but unverified audio clip — and he is calling it voter intimidation. With his son on the ballot and polling on 6 October, the case has turned from a legal matter into a high-stakes political flashpoint.
Key Takeaways
Humayun Kabir , founder of Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) and Nowda MLA , has been summoned to Baharampur police station for questioning on 22 September 2025 at 11 am IST .
The case involves an allegedly provocative audio clip of a phone conversation attributed to Kabir, circulated on social media; its authenticity has not been independently verified.
Police have registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) ; non-compliance could attract action under Section 208 of the BNS .
Kabir's son, Golam Nabi Azad , received the notice on his behalf and is the AJUP candidate for the Rejinagar by-election on 6 October 2025 .
Kabir has alleged the summons is a conspiracy to intimidate voters and has emailed the Superintendent of Police seeking a proper probe.
Aam Janata Unnayan Party (AJUP) founder and Nowda MLA Humayun Kabir has been summoned to Baharampur police station in Murshidabad district, West Bengal, for questioning on Monday, 22 September 2025 at 11 am IST, in connection with a controversial audio clip case that has drawn fresh political attention weeks before a key constituency by-election.
The summons was served on Saturday when officers from Baharampur police station visited Kabir's residence. The MLA was not present; his son, Golam Nabi Azad — who is also the AJUP's candidate in the upcoming Rejinagar by-election — signed and received the notice on his behalf.
The Audio Clip and the FIR
The case centres on an audio recording, allegedly of a telephone conversation involving Kabir, which was widely circulated on social media. The authenticity of the clip has not been independently verified. The recording reportedly contains remarks that were deemed provocative, prompting a formal complaint.
Police have registered a case against Kabir under relevant provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). The notice directs Kabir to cooperate with investigating officer Rabindranath Biswas, or face legal consequences under Section 208 of the BNS.
Kabir Cries Foul, Alleges Conspiracy
Reacting to the summons, Kabir said: 'I am not at home. I heard the police came and gave a notice. They have done this before. This is nothing but an attempt to intimidate voters.'
He further alleged that he had been deliberately targeted. 'I was called on my mobile so they could frame me. I have already informed the Superintendent of Police by email and requested a proper investigation,' he claimed. Kabir added that he would appear before the investigating officer at the appropriate time and respond to all questions.
The By-Election Backdrop
The timing of the summons carries significant political weight. The Rejinagar Assembly by-election is scheduled for 6 October 2025, and AJUP is actively contesting the seat. Kabir had vacated the Rejinagar constituency after simultaneously winning both Rejinagar and Nowda in a previous election — a statutory requirement that necessitated the current by-poll.
Critics argue the proximity of the police action to polling day lends credence to Kabir's allegations of political pressure, though police have made no public statement to that effect. This is not the first time legal proceedings in West Bengal have coincided with electoral timelines — a pattern that opposition parties across the state have repeatedly flagged.
What Happens Next
Kabir has indicated his intent to comply with the summons. Should he fail to appear, authorities could invoke Section 208 of the BNS to compel his presence. With polling in Rejinagar just over a fortnight away, the outcome of Monday's questioning is likely to become a flashpoint in the campaign.
Point of View
With Kabir's own son as the AJUP candidate. West Bengal has a documented history of legal and administrative action converging with electoral calendars, and that pattern makes it harder to assess this case purely on its merits. The audio clip's authenticity remains unverified, which raises the question of whether the FIR should have been registered at all before forensic confirmation. Regardless of guilt or innocence, the optics of a police summons on an unverified clip days before polling will inevitably dominate the campaign narrative — and that, in itself, is a political outcome.
NationPress
20 Sept 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why has Humayun Kabir been summoned by police in West Bengal?
Humayun Kabir has been summoned to Baharampur police station in connection with an audio clip, allegedly of a phone conversation involving him, that was circulated on social media and reportedly contained provocative remarks. Police registered a case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) after a formal complaint was filed.
When must Humayun Kabir appear before police?
Kabir has been directed to appear at Baharampur police station on 22 September 2025 at 11 am IST. If he fails to comply, authorities can take action against him under Section 208 of the BNS.
What is the Rejinagar by-election and why is it relevant?
The Rejinagar Assembly by-election is scheduled for 6 October 2025 in Murshidabad district, West Bengal. Kabir had vacated the seat after winning both Rejinagar and Nowda constituencies simultaneously; his son Golam Nabi Azad is the AJUP candidate for the by-poll, making the legal case politically significant.
Has the authenticity of the audio clip been verified?
No. The authenticity of the audio recording attributed to Humayun Kabir has not been independently verified. The clip was circulated on social media and prompted a complaint, but no forensic confirmation has been publicly reported.
What has Humayun Kabir said about the summons?
Kabir has denied wrongdoing and alleged a political conspiracy. He claimed he was deliberately called on his mobile to be framed, has emailed the Superintendent of Police requesting a proper investigation, and described the summons as 'an attempt to intimidate voters.' He said he will appear before the investigating officer at the appropriate time.
