The Calcutta High Court has questioned how a mob attack allegedly took place against Trinamool Congress MLA Kunal Ghosh despite two police personnel accompanying him, and directed Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nanda to ensure that he receives adequate security.
The court did not immediately order additional police protection for Ghosh. Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya, hearing the petition at a single-judge bench, asked how such an incident could occur when two police personnel were present with the legislator. The court also directed the police commissioner to take steps to prevent a recurrence.
Ghosh approached the High Court after alleged attacks on him on two consecutive days last month. The first incident was reported on September 26 in Uttarpara, when his vehicle was allegedly targeted with stones and eggs while he was travelling towards the venue of a public meeting in Srirampur. The following day, he was allegedly attacked in Beleghata, the constituency he represents.
During the hearing, Ghosh’s lawyer submitted that the MLA had faced a “mob attack”, rather than only egg-throwing. The lawyer also told the court that Ghosh had previously received Y-category security, but that the level of protection had since been reduced. At present, two security personnel are assigned to him, and the lawyer argued that this arrangement could not ensure his safety.
The petitioner sought enhanced protection, including a pilot vehicle. The court, however, stopped short of issuing an immediate direction for additional security. Instead, it placed responsibility on the police commissioner to ensure that Ghosh receives adequate protection and that similar incidents do not take place.
The single-judge bench transferred the case to a division bench. A public interest litigation concerning egg-throwing incidents is already pending before the division bench, and Ghosh’s petition will be heard alongside it. The Kolkata Police Commissioner is expected to submit a report before the division bench at the next hearing.
