Will Trinamool MLA and Councillors Secure Anticipatory Bail in Bengal Post-Poll Violence Case?
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Synopsis
In a significant development, a Trinamool Congress MLA and two councillors have sought anticipatory bail in a case linked to post-poll violence in West Bengal. This legal move follows their naming in a supplementary charge sheet. The situation is poised for a court hearing, raising questions about political accountability and justice.
Key Takeaways
- Trinamool Congress leaders are seeking anticipatory bail.
- The case is linked to the 2021 post-poll violence.
- CBI has summoned the accused for interrogation.
- The court hearing is expected to clarify legal standings.
- The investigation transitioned from local police to the CBI.
Kolkata, July 15 (NationPress) A legislator from the Trinamool Congress and two Kolkata Municipal Corporation councillors, implicated in the recent supplementary charge sheet concerning the 2021 post-poll violence incident in West Bengal, approached a single judge bench of the Calcutta High Court on Tuesday to seek anticipatory bail.
The bench, presided over by Justice Jay Sengupta, acknowledged the anticipatory bail requests from Paresh Paul, the Trinamool Congress representative from the Beliaghata Assembly constituency in north Kolkata, along with councillors Swapan Samaddar from ward 58 and Papiya Ghosh from ward 30. Notably, Samaddar also holds the position of mayor-in-council within the KMC.
The court is scheduled to hear the matter on Wednesday.
The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has already issued notices summoning Paul, Samaddar, and Ghosh to appear at the CBI’s Kolkata office for questioning by July 18. Sources within the party indicated that the leaders are pursuing anticipatory bail to shield themselves from potential coercive measures, including arrest.
Paul was the sole legislator from the state to have been interrogated by CBI officials earlier in this case.
On July 2, the CBI announced it had submitted a supplementary charge sheet to a special court in Kolkata on June 20, which included 18 additional individuals as accused, among them the legislator and councillors.
In addition to Paul, Samaddar, and Ghosh, the former officer-in-charge of Narkeldanga Police Station, Subhojit Sen, and former woman sub-inspector, Ratna Sarkar, are also listed as accused in the CBI’s updated charge sheet.
To recap, Abhijit Sarkar was fatally attacked on May 2, 2021, shortly after the announcement of the results from the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections, where the Trinamool Congress achieved a significant victory.
Initially, the investigation was launched by the homicide squad under the detective department of Kolkata Police, which identified 15 individuals as accused in its charge sheet.
Eventually, following directives from the Calcutta High Court, the CBI assumed control of the investigation, registering a case in August 2021 and filing a supplementary charge sheet against 20 accused, including the 15 previously identified by the city police.
Point of View
This case highlights the tensions in West Bengal's political landscape post-elections. The involvement of public officials raises critical questions about accountability and governance. It is essential to balance legal proceedings with the principles of justice and fair representation.
NationPress
21/07/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
Who are the key individuals involved in the case?
The case involves Trinamool Congress MLA Paresh Paul and councillors Swapan Samaddar and Papiya Ghosh, along with other accused individuals.
What prompted the CBI to take over the investigation?
The CBI assumed control after a Calcutta High Court directive, following the initial investigation by the Kolkata Police.
What is the significance of the anticipatory bail plea?
The plea aims to protect the accused from coercive actions, including arrest, as they navigate the legal process.
What was the outcome of the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections?
The Trinamool Congress achieved a significant victory in the 2021 elections, which led to the subsequent unrest and violence.
When is the next court hearing scheduled?
The next hearing regarding the anticipatory bail petitions is set for Wednesday.
