Kolkata, Sept. 30 -- Congress candidate for the West Bengal assembly by-election from the Nandigram constituency, Milan Pradhan, launched his election campaign on Wednesday, hours after being released from a correctional home in Haldia in East Midnapore.

"I was almost dragged out of the hotel in Chandipur and shoved into a car by some police officials. I was blindfolded. I was then taken to a hotel where I was offered fruit juice, dry fruits and other dishes while being asked to withdraw my nomination. I refused. Later I was again blindfolded and taken to Chandipur police station where I was arrested in a 19-year-old case," Pradhan said while addressing his campaign.

The Calcutta high court on Tuesday granted interim bail to Pradhan til...