Kolkata, Oct. 1 -- The Bankshall Court premises turned into a virtual battleground on Thursday as an agitated crowd targeted arrested YouTuber Deepak Byapari, pelting him with eggs while he was being produced before the court by the National Investigation Agency (NIA).
Byapari was arrested by the NIA on September 28 in Coimbatore, Tamil Nadu, on serious charges related to alleged anti-national activities, international conspiracy, espionage and the dissemination of fake news.
As the NIA transit vehicle arrived at the court complex, a large group of protestors gathered outside the gate. The moment Byapari stepped out under heavy security, the crowd breached the perimeter and began pelting eggs at him. The situation rapidly deteriorated when a section of advocates stepped forward to protest the assault inside the judicial compound. Witnesses reported that these lawyers were subsequently attacked by the mob, leading to violent scuffles.
A group of people allegedly vandalised the chamber of Chief Public Prosecutor of the City Sessions Court as well.
A large contingent of Kolkata Police personnel had to deploy immediate force to push back the protestors and restore order within the court premises. High security remains deployed at the site as the NIA continues its legal proceedings.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.