Kolkata: Former Rajganj Block Development Officer (BDO) Prashanta Barman, who had been evading arrest for months following the murder of Salt Lake gold trader Swapan Kamilya, was granted bail on Tuesday evening in a drink-driving case. This occurred less than 24 hours after his arrest in New Town on Monday night. Despite a Supreme Court order in February directing him to surrender, Barman remained at large until his apprehension.
Arrest and Court Proceedings
Barman was arrested by the Eco Park Police Station in New Town around 10:30 pm on Monday on charges of drink-driving and reckless driving. He was produced before a special court in Barasat, where the judge reserved the order until 8 pm on Tuesday. However, due to the absence of the investigating officer and the failure to submit documents related to the murder case, the court granted him bail under the Motor Vehicles Act. Barman was released on a personal bond of Rs 1,000, as confirmed by his lawyer, Raj Zaman.
Government lawyer Labanya Jana stated, "The judge granted bail under the Motor Vehicles Act provisions. The gold trader murder case against Barman is still pending. The High Court and Supreme Court had previously rejected his bail plea. An arrest warrant was issued, and a charge sheet in the murder case has been filed. As a government lawyer, I presented all facts before the judge, but there are technical issues. The court will pass the appropriate order."
Details of the Drink-Driving Incident
Police registered a case against Barman under Sections 281 and 125(B) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita, along with Sections 184 and 185 of the Motor Vehicles Act. These sections pertain to reckless and dangerous driving, causing injury, and driving under the influence of alcohol. According to police, Barman was driving an SUV when he hit a pedestrian. A scooter rider immediately blocked his vehicle, preventing him from fleeing until law enforcement arrived. The scooter rider also made a Facebook Live video, which was widely circulated on social media.
Connection to the Gold Trader Murder Case
The arrest drew immediate attention because Barman had been absconding in connection with the kidnap and murder of gold trader Swapan Kamilya. Kamilya, who owned a jewellery business in Duttabad, Salt Lake, was reportedly abducted from his shop on October 28 last year and taken to a flat in New Town, where he was murdered. His body was discovered the next day near a canal in Jatragachhi. Five individuals were previously arrested, and Barman was named as the key accused in the case.
Political Reactions
Minister Agnimitra Paul commented on the development, saying, "Trinamool couldn't arrest him for months, and within 15 days of the new government being formed, Barman is found and is in police custody. This is the impact of the BJP government." This statement highlights the political undertones surrounding the case, as the change in state government is credited with the swift action.
