Kolkata BJP Workers Arrested for Stone-Pelting Attack on Minister's Residence
In a significant development in Kolkata, five Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers were arrested on Sunday for allegedly pelting stones at the residence of minister Shashi Panja. The incident, which occurred on Saturday, was captured on CCTV and mobile footage, providing crucial evidence for the police investigation.
Attack During PM Modi's Brigade Rally
The attack took place when BJP supporters were en route to Prime Minister Narendra Modi's brigade rally in the city. The group targeted Panja's Girish Park residence, leading to a chaotic scene that lasted for nearly an hour on one of Kolkata's major arterial roads. Minister Panja, who was injured during the assault, took shelter inside her home as her aides and police officers secured the premises by bolting doors and setting up barricades.
Rising Number of Detainees and Legal Charges
With these latest arrests, the total number of people detained in connection with the incident has risen to nine. Police are investigating three separate First Information Reports (FIRs)—one filed by the police, and the others lodged by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and BJP respectively. All nine accused were produced before a Bankshall court and remanded to four days of police custody.
The arrested individuals include Lalta Prasad Jaiswal, Prasun Patra, Vicky Bera, and Rajesh Kr Singh, who were taken into custody from Sovabazar on Saturday evening. The remaining five—Govinda Karmakar, Debjit Das, Sunny Dey, Charanjit Singha, and Krishanu Bose—were arrested from their homes in Baranagar early on Sunday.
Multiple Charges Under BNS and Other Acts
All accused face serious charges under multiple sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) Act. These include attempt to murder, causing grievous hurt with dangerous weapons, unlawful assembly using violence, obstruction of public servants, criminal force against public servants, and mischief. Additional charges have been filed under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property (PDPP) Act and the West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order Act.
According to BJP councillor and party functionary Sajal Ghosh, all the accused except Vicky Bera are BJP party workers. The state counsel highlighted that police vehicles were also damaged during the incident and sought police custody of the accused until March 27. However, the magistrate granted custody only until March 19.
Injuries and Political Fallout
The mayhem resulted in injuries to at least six police officers, including the Officer-in-Charge of Bowbazar Police Station, as well as many Trinamool and BJP supporters. The defence counsel for the accused contended that the arrests were selective and politically motivated, raising questions about the fairness of the investigation.
This incident underscores the escalating political tensions in Kolkata, with both major parties—BJP and TMC—filing FIRs against each other. The use of CCTV and mobile footage has become a critical tool in identifying and apprehending those involved, setting a precedent for handling such violent political clashes in the future.
