Suvendu Adhikari gets interim protection from police action in Chandrakona case

The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday granted interim protection from coercive police action to West Bengal Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari in connection with a case registered against him at Chandrakona Police Station in West Midnapore district. The relief will remain in force till January 29.

A single-judge bench of Justice Suvra Ghosh passed the order after hearing Adhikari’s plea, in which he alleged that the police case was filed to harass him and divert attention from the alleged attack on his convoy earlier this month. Adhikari’s convoy was reportedly attacked at Chandrakona on January 10 while he was returning to Kolkata from Purulia, allegedly by ruling party activists. However, a complaint was subsequently lodged against Adhikari, accusing him of instigating tension in the area.

The court also directed the West Bengal government and the Central Reserve Police Force to submit reports on the convoy attack. During the hearing, Adhikari’s counsel argued that the FIR against him was motivated, an argument accepted by the court while granting interim protection. Adhikari has also sought a probe into the convoy attack, a matter that is being heard by the same bench.