Kolkata, Oct. 29 -- Mamata All India Trinamool Congress (MAITC) national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee on Thursday questioned the transparency of the investigation into the Chorbagan stampede that claimed 19 lives, including a seven-year-old child, and demanded the immediate arrest of three BJP leaders.
Twelve days after the incident, Abhishek questioned why BJP MLA Vijay Ojha, the organising committee's chairman, district president Tamoghna Ghosh, its chief adviser, and Debadip Adhikari, its chief patron, had not been arrested or questioned.
In his social media post, Abhishek questioned whether political affiliations were placing the leaders beyond the reach of the law and whether political influence was obstructing the investigation. He urged the Special Investigation Team (SIT) to ensure a transparent, impartial and influence-free probe, stressing that arresting a few lower-level accused would not be enough to establish accountability for the deaths. He demanded that the roles of the three functionaries be examined, including their involvement in decision-making and safety arrangements, and called for strict legal action based on the findings.
Speaking to reporters, Abhishek alleged that MAITC leaders and workers were facing false cases, while those who had left the party to join the Ritabrata camp were moving freely. He questioned the alleged disparity in the treatment of the two groups.
Abhishek also accused the police of acting as puppets of the BJP-led state government and warned that officers acting under political influence could face consequences if the government changed. He cautioned those allegedly attempting to shield individuals from investigation that they could be held accountable in the future.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.