Humayun approaches Calcutta HC alleging “defamation conspiracy” over viral video, seeks central probe

Humayun Kabir has moved the Calcutta High Court seeking a central agency probe into a viral video that has triggered political controversy ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections. Claiming the video is fabricated, Kabir alleged it was circulated as part of a deliberate attempt to defame him and damage his public image.

The petition has been filed before the bench of Justice Sougata Bhattacharya, where Kabir sought a court-monitored investigation into the origin and authenticity of the video. He argued that the content was created with malicious intent and demanded identification of those responsible for producing and spreading it. The court has accepted the plea, with the hearing scheduled for April 22.

The controversy began after a video surfaced alleging that Kabir had entered into a secret financial arrangement worth ₹1000 crore with the BJP to influence Muslim voters. Following the circulation of the video, the All India Majlis-e-Ittehadul Muslimeen announced it was severing ties with his party. Kabir, however, strongly denied the claims and counter-alleged that AIMIM and the Trinamool Congress had struck a ₹20 crore deal, challenging anyone to prove financial wrongdoing against him.

The issue has gained further political traction, with Kabir maintaining that the video could be artificially generated. The matter comes at a sensitive time, with the first phase of polling scheduled for April 23, just a day after the court hearing. The outcome of the case is expected to be closely watched as it could have implications for the political narrative in the run-up to the elections.