Kolkata, May 12 -- Kolkata Police on Tuesday arrested Bangla Pokkho founder member Garga Chatterjee on charges of allegedly spreading misinformation during the Assembly polls.
According to police sources, Chatterjee had posted on social media on polling day, alleging EVM tampering and raising questions over the functioning of EVMs and VVPATs. Police said the posts allegedly created confusion and led to multiple complaints regarding the electoral process.
He had also alleged that the Election Commission denied permission for a rally on the occasion of the Bengali New Year.
Following these claims, the District Election Officer (North) lodged a complaint with the police, after which a case was registered against him. The probe was subsequently taken up by the Kolkata Police Cyber Crime station. During the investigation, police issued notices asking Chatterjee to appear and cooperate with the inquiry, but he allegedly failed to respond.
On Tuesday, Chatterjee was arrested for spreading false information and rumours, which caused massive confusion among voters and political parties.
Commissioner of Police (CP), Kolkata, Ajay Nand, on Tuesday, said: "DEO North had submitted a complaint based on which a case was registered. He was given notice twice for his appearance but Chatterjee did not turn up. His post had created misconceptions and confusion among political parties. He called on political parties to protest as well."
CP further added: "The DEO had filed a complaint against him. There was another case against Garg, which was registered suo motu. He was repeatedly uploading posts, where he was making comments on various things against different groups, which were creating divisions."
It may be mentioned that under Chatterjee's leadership, the organisation was frequently involved in confrontations with Hindi-speaking people at various places, videos of which were often circulated on social media. On polling day too, Chatterjee allegedly faced protests, and the police and Central Forces, reportedly, provided him security cover.
Sources also claimed that Chatterjee had been accompanied by a cop from the Diamond Harbour Police district as a bodyguard, though the officer was later sent back to his original unit.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.