The Kolkata Police has summoned BJP MLA from Moyna, Ashok Dinda, for allegedly threatening policemen during the Nabanna Abhijan on August 9, held to mark the first death anniversary of the RG Kar victim doctor.
According to police sources, Dinda has been asked to appear before New Market Police Station on August 17 at 11 am. A police officer claimed CCTV footage shows the MLA threatening policemen and instigating others to assault them.
Dinda claimed he has not yet received the notice and would comply if he does. Speaking to The Indian Express, he said, “I have not received any notice till now. If the police send a notice, I will comply. They must know why they called me. We are the Opposition party in the state so they will attack us, assault us, we know that. But if anyone disrespects the National Flag, I will not spare that person… I did not say a word when they assaulted us, but when they disrespected the national flag, I stood up and protested.”
On Tuesday evening, the Kolkata Police held a press conference at Lal Bazar. They said notices have been issued so far to Dinda , BJP Kolkata Municipal councillor Sajal Ghosh, and BJP leader Tamaghno Ghosh by the New Market police station, while Hare St Police station has issued notices to Bhola Sonkar, Kushal Pandey and Kamaljit Singh.
“Six have been summoned so far,” said Joint CP Crime Rupesh Kumar.
Sajal Ghosh said, “I am yet to receive any notice. If I do, I will comply… They should keep all the CCTV footage before me and then put forth the allegations.” Arjun Singh also told mediapersons he has not received any notice.
The FIRs were lodged for violating High Court orders by not going to R R Avenue and taking a procession towards Park Street, for allegedly creating a ruckus at the “Rakhi” stall of another political party, allegedly assaulting a police constable and causing head injuries, allegedly vandalizing the office of the hawkers’ union, and allegedly damaging the camera of a mediaperson and “confining” him.
Five policemen were injured and admitted to SSKM Hospital on Saturday. Four of them were discharged after first aid; one remains hospitalised with scalp injuries. On Sunday, Commissioner Manoj Verma met the hospitalised constable, identified as Prasanta Poddar, 36.
(With inputs by Sweety Kumari)