3 hrs ago

Trinamool Congress Alleges Bengal Police Human Rights Violations, Vows Action

The Trinamool Congress says police in Bengal are treating its leaders unfairly.

Sagarika Ghose said some people were arrested after new FIRs were filed over old accusations.

She also said accused people were not always told why cases were registered or given time to seek legal help.

The party says this violates human and constitutional rights.

It plans to raise the issue with human rights bodies in India and abroad.

The dispute followed a police visit to the party's Camac Street office on August 27.

Police went there to remove a hoarding that officials said broke municipal rules.

Trinamool leader Derek O'Brien said he was pushed and manhandled during the incident, while several party leaders now face criminal allegations.

Key facts

Accusation: The Trinamool Congress alleges violations of human, constitutional and democratic rights by Bengal police.
Announced action: The party said it would approach national and international judicial or human rights forums, but did not identify them.
Office incident: Police entered the party's Camac Street office on August 27 to remove a hoarding deemed contrary to municipal norms.
Questioned leaders: Rajya Sabha leader Derek O'Brien and Sumit Roy were questioned by police; Abhishek Banerjee was questioned for hours on Tuesday.
Police cases: Several senior Trinamool leaders face FIRs alleging obstruction of officials, unlawful assembly, assault and harassment of women personnel.
O'Brien's allegation: Derek O'Brien said he was pushed, heckled and manhandled after falling down a staircase during the police action.
Democracy index claim: Ghose said India had reached its lowest-ever ranking since 1975 in the V-Dem democracy index.

telegraphindia.com · 3 hrs ago