At a time when All India Trinamool Congress (AITC) supporters and leaders have hit the streets over the arrest of West Bengal Transport Minister Madan Mitra over his involvement in Saradha scam, the CBI has sought additional security from the State’s police to ensure that the Minister is produced before a city court on Tuesday.
The CBI has written to officials of both the Kolkata police and Biddhannagar City police to provide security when the minister is taken to court in the areas which come under their jurisdiction.
“The CBI’s letter is about ensuring proper security measures (in the court premises). There will be sufficient security arrangements,” Joint Commissioner of Kolkata Police (Head Quarters) Rajiv Mishra told media persons here on Monday. Debasish Dhar, the Additional Commissioner of Police, Bidhannagr City Police, said that the police are keeping an eye on the situation and adequate security will be provided.
The CBI had a tough time on Saturday when Mr Mitra was produced before a city court. A large number of AITC supporters had gathered inside the court premises and tried to prevent the CBI from taking the Minister out of court, when he was remanded to custody of the central agency. Flowers were showered on the Minister as he was produced in court. AITC supporters hurled bricks at a police vehicle.
Meanwhile, continuing its protest over the arrest of Mr. Mitra, ‘sports lovers’ backed by the State’s ruling party took out a protest rally. Sports personalities such as football coach Raghu Nandi, former body builder Tushar Sil and footballer and AITC candidate in the Basirhat Dakshin by-elections Dipendu Biswas were among those present at the rally.
Senior AITC leaders such as Education minister Partha Chatterjee and State Youth Affairs Minister Arup Biswas made brief appearances at the rally. “The CBI is not neutral any more. It is working as tool to finish us politically,” Mr. Chatterjee told media persons.
The rally was marked by anger against the media and attempts were made by organisers to ensure that media was kept at a distance from the crowd of supporters. Like some of the rallies organised by the AITC, some of those present were clueless about the purpose of the rally.
