Mamata Banerjee in legal trouble as Kolkata Police files suo moto FIR against former West Bengal CM — here’s why | Today’s news
The Calcutta Police on Saturday filed a suo motu FIR against former West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee, alleging that she violated the conditions set by the Calcutta High Court for organizing the TMCP foundation day program in the city.
An FIR has been registered at the Hastings police station against Banerjee and the organizers of the Trinamool Chhatra Parishad (TMCP) event, a police officer said.
“An FIR has been registered for the alleged violation of the court order. The role of all those involved in the violation will be examined during the investigation,” he said, according to PTI.
The case was registered after the police on Friday reviewed the court-imposed conditions for holding the meeting on Cathedral Road in central Kolkata.
According to the complaint, some supporters allegedly removed barricades, engaged in scuffles with police personnel, obstructed traffic on Cathedral Road and continued the program even after the time allowed by the court, ANI reported. The case was filed under Sections 61(2), 223, 125(a), 132 and 285 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS).
What Calcutta HC said
The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday rejected pleas by two factions of TMC student organizations to hold separate foundation day programs at Mayo Road on August 28. Instead, he allowed both groups to organize their events at their respective venues where they held their Martyrs’ Day programs on July 21.
The court imposed equal terms on both factions, one led by Mamata Banerjee and the other by MLA and Leader of Opposition Ritabrata Banerjee. The court orally noted that it would allow 10,000 people at the Brigade Parade Grounds if the two groups decided to hold a joint programme.
Both factions applied for permission to hold their separate foundation day events at the same Mayo Road location on August 28 at the same time.
The Calcutta High Court has ruled that none of the factions will be allowed to hold their foundation day program near the Gandhi statue on Mayo Road on August 28.
Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya ordered the faction led by Mamata Banerjee to stage their action on one side of Cathedral Road. The student wing led by Ritabrata Banerjee was allowed to hold its program on one side of Rani Rashmoni Avenue.
Two venues in south Kolkata were earlier allotted to the respective factions for their Martyrs’ Day programs on July 21 after the police denied permission to hold events outside Victoria House in Esplanade.
The court imposed equal conditions on both groups and ordered them to try to keep the number of participants below 1500. It also ordered the police to maintain law and order and prevent any untoward incident.
Programs were allowed between noon and 3 p.m. Each faction was also asked to provide the names and phone numbers of 15 volunteers who would be responsible for ensuring the smooth running of the events. Police authorities have been directed to ensure that traffic on one side of each of the two roads is not disrupted.
