Kolkata, Oct 20 TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee on Tuesday questioned why BJP leaders holding key posts in the Chorbagan Durga Puja committee had not been arrested after a stampede there killed 19 people, and alleged that police have begun a crackdown on those questioning the BJP government’s actions.
In a Facebook post, Mamata Banerjee’s nephew posed a series of questions on the government’s actions after tragedy struck the puja pandal in north Kolkata last Saturday.
He alleged that Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari’s nephew was the chief patron of the puja committee, with BJP north Kolkata district president Tamoghna Ghosh and party MLA Bijay Ojha holding key positions.
“Will they not be arrested? Have those truly responsible for the stampede been arrested? Why are the bereaved families still awaiting justice?” Abhishek Banerjee posed.
“What is even more shameful is that following the circulation of allegations and reports concerning Suvendu Adhikari’s nephew on social media, police have begun harassing ordinary citizens across various districts, with some even being arrested.”
Adhikari on Tuesday alleged that “fake narratives” about the Kolkata stampede were being posted on social media from Bangladesh and warned of legal action against those who circulated or endorsed such content.
Hours earlier, the Special Task Force of West Bengal Police arrested a man from Cooch Behar district for allegedly spreading misinformation on social media about the toll in the Chorbagan Durga Puja stampede three days ago.
“Is the police administration’s intense activity aimed at silencing the protesters, rather than seeking justice for the death of 19 people? Is that why a compensation of Rs 25 lakh was offered hurriedly?” the opposition leader asked.
He also sought to know whether the state police exist only to protect BJP leaders and their kin or to ensure the safety of the common people. “There is no escaping the need to address the serious allegations that the police administration is being exploited for personal gain by exercising political influence.”
In a direct attack on Adhikari, Banerjee said, “The chief minister who stole an election must remember that Bengal is not his personal fiefdom, nor is the police force his family property. Political power does not place anyone above the law. The interests of a leader’s family can never be more important than human lives.
(PTI News)
