Agnimitra Paul, a BJP lawmaker from Asansol South in West Burdwan and the party’s candidate from Midnapore for the Lok Sabha elections, has been accused of threatening police officers and locking them up inside the Kotwali police station during Ram Navami processions in West Midnapore. The incident led to the West Bengal police filing an FIR against Paul and 15 others late on Wednesday night.
The situation unfolded when Paul visited the police station to file a case against Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her controversial remarks made during a recent rally. Superintendent of Police Dhritiman Sarkar confirmed the registration of the FIR and stated that investigations are ongoing.
Paul, a former fashion designer turned politician, went to Kotwali police station to lodge a complaint against Banerjee for her alleged inflammatory statements made in Cooch Behar district. In a video, Paul is seen insisting on filing the FIR, claiming her rights as a woman and an MLA.
The incident stemmed from Banerjee’s reported comments about BJP members shouting derogatory remarks during her convoy’s passage through Chalsa area. The BJP has raised concerns with the Election Commission regarding these remarks.
When the police declined to accept Paul’s complaint immediately, BJP workers accompanying her locked the police station gate and staged a protest outside for around 30 minutes. TMC MLA Ajit Maity accused Paul of orchestrating a pre-planned drama at the police station.
Paul has been charged under several sections of the Indian Penal Code, including criminal conspiracy, assault on a public servant, obstructing a public servant, wrongful confinement, and criminal intimidation.
Authorities are reviewing CCTV footage and video clips of the incident to understand the sequence of events, with suspicions raised about a premeditated conspiracy due to the presence of chains and locks brought by the BJP workers. The incident occurred during the Ram Navami processions, adding complexity to the ongoing investigation.
Sources By Agencies
