The Calcutta High Court on Monday questioned how Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh was allegedly subjected to a mob attack despite having two police personnel with him, and directed Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajoy Nanda to ensure his adequate security.
The court did not order additional police protection for Ghosh immediately. The case was heard by Justice Sougata Bhattacharyya, who subsequently transferred it to a division bench. The next hearing will be held alongside an existing public interest litigation concerning egg-throwing during political events.
Ghosh approached the High Court after two incidents were reported on consecutive days last month. On September 26 in Uttarpara, stones and eggs were allegedly thrown at his vehicle while he was en route to a rally venue in Srirampur where West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was scheduled to speak.
The second incident was reported the following day in Beleghata, Ghosh’s constituency, where he faced a mob attack despite police presence. His lawyer told the court that Ghosh had previously received Y-category security, which had since been reduced to two personnel.
The submission argued the security was insufficient and sought additional protection, including a pilot vehicle. Justice Bhattacharyya questioned how such an attack could happen with two police personnel accompanying Ghosh.
The judge refrained from ordering immediate security increases but directed the police commissioner to ensure similar incidents do not recur and to provide adequate protection.
The matter will now be heard by a division bench alongside a pending public interest litigation related to egg-throwing incidents. The Kolkata police commissioner is expected to submit a report at the next hearing outlining police response and security arrangements.
