The National Investigation Agency (NIA) has summoned the counting agent of Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Sabina Yeasmin from the Sujapur constituency, just two days before the announcement of election results in West Bengal. The summons is part of the ongoing investigation into the Mothabari incident, where judicial officers were allegedly gheraoed for hours during a Special Investigation Report (SIR) process.
Summons Issued to Counting Agent
The NIA, which has already summoned ten individuals including a TMC block president, issued a notice to counting agent Abdul Rahaman to appear before the agency on Sunday noon. However, Rahaman, who also serves as a zilla parishad member, has refused to comply, citing his responsibilities ahead of the counting of votes scheduled for Monday. In a letter addressed to Arpan Saha, Deputy Superintendent of Police/Chief Investigating Officer of NIA, Rahaman has requested a minimum of seven days' time, arguing that his presence is crucial for the counting process.
TMC Reacts Strongly
The TMC has strongly criticized the summoning of Rahaman, along with block president Sariul Sk and other prominent local party functionaries. Sabina Yeasmin, the TMC candidate, expressed concern, stating, "If these local netas and my agent are detained, counting might be jeopardized. In no way were my men or I involved in the incident at Mothabari, which is more than 20 km away from my place."
Background of the Mothabari Incident
The Mothabari incident refers to an alleged confrontation where judicial officers were gheraoed during the SIR process, leading to the NIA's intervention. The agency is investigating the circumstances surrounding the incident, which has become a contentious issue in the run-up to the election results.
The development comes as West Bengal prepares for the counting of votes, with all major political parties closely watching the outcome. The TMC has accused the NIA of targeting its functionaries ahead of the results, while the agency maintains that its actions are part of a legitimate investigation.
As the counting day approaches, the summons to Rahaman has added to the political tension in the state, with the TMC alleging a conspiracy to disrupt the electoral process.
