Archive · 19 Sep 2026
Humayun Kabir summoned in communal tension case before Rejinagar bypoll
Police in Bengal are investigating a phone recording that they believe may involve a plan to cause trouble between two communities.
They have asked politician Humayun Kabir to answer questions.
Kabir must go to the police on September 21.
The police have not officially confirmed that the voice in the recording is his.
They may ask a court for permission to collect voice samples.
The case comes shortly before an election in Rejinagar.
Kabir’s son is running in that election for the Aam Janata Unnayan Party.
Kabir says the case is a conspiracy but has agreed to cooperate.
Aam Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir was summoned by Baharampur police for questioning.
The case concerns an audio recording that police say may indicate a plan to create communal tension.
Kabir was asked to appear before investigators at 11 a.m. on September 21 and cooperate with the probe.
The summons came shortly before the October 6 Rejinagar Assembly bypoll, in which Kabir’s son is contesting.
Kabir agreed to appear but called the case a conspiracy and demanded a proper investigation.
- Who
- Aam Janata Unnayan Party chief Humayun Kabir was summoned; arrested accused Sarfraz Nawaz Chowdhury was reportedly heard in the recording, and Kabir’s son Ghulam Nabi Azad is contesting the bypoll.
- What
- Police are investigating an alleged conspiracy to create communal tension based on an audio recording and have directed Kabir to appear for questioning.
- When
- The case was registered on September 14; Kabir was asked to appear on September 21, ahead of the October 6 bypoll.
- Where
- The notice was issued by Baharampur police after an audio recording was released at a press conference in Berhampore; it was served at Kabir’s residence in Shaktipur.
- Why
- Police said the recording appeared to suggest an attempt to provoke tension between two communities and are examining whether it indicates a criminal conspiracy.
Police investigation
Humayun Kabir’s position
Meaning of the recording
Police investigation
Police said the recording appeared to indicate an attempt to create trouble between two communities and are examining whether it contains evidence of a criminal conspiracy.
Humayun Kabir’s position
Kabir called the case a conspiracy and demanded a proper investigation.
Identity of the voice
Police investigation
Police have not officially identified the second speaker and said the person’s identity would be established through due procedure, potentially including court-approved voice sampling.
Humayun Kabir’s position
The voice has been alleged to resemble Kabir, but Kabir’s statement did not acknowledge that it was his voice.
Cooperation with investigators
Police investigation
Police directed Kabir to appear and provide credible answers, warning of legal action for non-compliance.
Humayun Kabir’s position
Kabir said he would appear before the investigating officer at the appointed time and answer questions.
- Accused politician
- Humayun Kabir, chief of the Aam Janata Unnayan Party
- Case registration
- Police registered the case on September 14
- Questioning date
- September 21 at 11 a.m.
- Election date
- Rejinagar Assembly bypoll scheduled for October 6
- Evidence under review
- A phone-call recording released at a press conference in Berhampore
- Potential legal consequence
- The notice cites possible action under Section 208 of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for non-compliance
- Kabir’s response
- He said he would appear, answer questions, and alleged that the case was a conspiracy