In a significant development from West Bengal's Murshidabad district, Golam Nabi Azad, the son of Janata Unnayan Party (JUP) chief and MLA Humayun Kabir, was arrested on Sunday. The arrest followed an alleged physical assault on a police constable posted at the family's residence.
The Incident and Immediate Arrest
According to police officials, the incident occurred on Sunday morning at the Kabir family home. Constable Jumma Khan, who was stationed there, reportedly applied for a few days of leave. It was during this interaction that Azad, also known as Sohel, allegedly assaulted the officer.
Based on a formal complaint lodged by Constable Khan at the Shaktipur police station, authorities swiftly took Azad into custody. A senior police officer confirmed that the arrest was made for questioning and further investigation. "On the basis of the complaint, the accused has been arrested for questioning. The matter is being investigated and necessary legal action will be taken," the officer stated.
Political Allegations and Counter-Claims
The arrest has quickly escalated into a political controversy. Humayun Kabir, who formed the JUP after his suspension from the Trinamool Congress (TMC), was away on personal work when the event transpired. He returned to find his residence cordoned off by police.
Kabir vehemently denied the charges against his son, calling them fabricated. "My son objected to the entry of a policeman inside my house today and this angered the law enforcers who levelled false allegations against my son, accusing him of misbehaviour," he told reporters in Berhampore.
The MLA accused the TMC of orchestrating a politically motivated action. "A police force cannot cordon the house of an elected representative under flimsy pretext," he argued. Kabir insisted his son was arrested "in an illegal manner under false charges" and demanded his immediate release.
Protest Plans and Official Response
In a bold move, Humayun Kabir announced plans to stage a protest gherao (encirclement) of the Murshidabad Superintendent of Police's office on January 1. He stated this demonstration aims to demand explanations from senior police and district administration officials regarding the incident.
Responding to the allegations, TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty distanced the party from the police action. He was quoted saying, "Azad had committed a cognisable offence by raising a hand on a policeman. Police have taken action as per the law. The party has nothing to do with it." This statement underscores the legal basis cited for the arrest, countering claims of political interference.
The situation remains tense in Murshidabad as the investigation proceeds and the planned protest looms, highlighting the ongoing friction between regional political entities and law enforcement in the state.
