Raiganj, Sept. 17 -- The Raiganj Bar Association has accused the police of having failed to provide adequate protection even in the court premises despite court orders of stringent action against any such acts like throwing eggs at people. They have alleged that police have remained mere spectators and have failed to perform their duties.
On Thursday, members of the Raiganj Bar Association submitted a memorandum to the District Judge and other judges, expressing concern over the security of lawyers, litigants and common people inside the court premises.
They urged the judiciary to take appropriate measures to prevent such incidents in future.
This comes in the wake of 'egg therapy' during the court production of a TMC leader Babai Nandi on Wednesday, when a mob of BJP supporters started hurling eggs at him. Many laymen who were present at the court premises at that time were also hit. A scuffle also broke out. Finally the lawyers chased and nabbed two of the assailants. They were then handed over to the police, who as per the lawyers remained mere spectators. It is alleged that the two of the assilants were later released from the police station with fingers being pointed at police inaction.
The day after the incident, tension was palpable in the Raiganj court premises on Thursday also. Sayan Chowdhury, president of the Raiganj Bar Association, said, "According to a court order, hurling eggs at accused persons inside the court premises is unlawful. Despite the order, a section of people allegedly provoked by some BJP members hurled eggs at Babai Nandi, the accused." Common people were also assaulted.
"We caught two youths on the spot and handed them over to police. They should have been produced before the court under non-bailable sections. However, the police released them from the police station. This has created an atmosphere of insecurity even in the court premises. Who will provide the security. We have requested the intervention of the Judiciary" stated Chowdhury.
Coming on the heels of the egg incident, BJP supporters allegedly pelted stones at the residence of former Karandighi TMC MLA Gautam Paul. Two of his followers sustained head injuries in the incident. The stone-pelting incident came a day after women, allegedly associated with the BJP Mahila Morcha, hurled eggs at Paul outside the Karandighi BDO office on Tuesday afternoon. Paul said " On Wednesday afternoon I was holding a meeting with my followers when a group of people surrounded my house and began pelting stones."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.