TMC MLA says she was ‘manhandled’ after Assam police allege assault of cops

Lok Sabha MP Arpita Ghosh told The Indian Express: “They said we are under arrest and have to come with them. We told them that we will not leave the airport unless they show us arrest warrants. They were not able to show us any.” Members also claimed the police snatched their phones.

An MP cannot be arrested while Parliament is in session unless authorities by the presiding officer of the House of which s/he is a member.

In a statement, the Assam DGP said the TMC delegation was requested not to come to Silchar as authorities feared their arrival would “create differences among the people.” The DGP added, “Legal action will be initiated on the basis of FIRs by the injured and for violation of Section 144 (in Cachar district).

Also read | TMC delegation detained at Silchar Airport, Mamata Banerjee calls it BJP’s frustration

#WATCH: TMC’s Mahua Moitra seen assaulting lady constable who tried to restrain Mahua Moitra after TMC leaders were stopped at Silchar Airport. Constable received injuries. #NRCAssam pic.twitter.com/FJjNQ77ngO

— ANI (@ANI) August 2, 2018

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, meanwhile, blamed the BJP for the incident. “A parliamentary delegation went to meet the people (in Assam). They were not allowed outside the airport. Why is the Assam government behaving like this, along with the Centre? This is a political vendetta. The BJP only has muscle power.”

“The police have roughed up the members, even the female members. Four female MPs and one female MLA besides a state minister and our party’s chief whip in Rajya Sabha – all of them were subjected to this uncalled-for behaviour,” she added.

#PROOF Two Trinamool MPs and a Trinamool MLA ( all 3 ladies in blue). Some NK channels saying they “assaulted” police at Silchar Airport. Shame on such reportage. Watch. pic.twitter.com/55d0coQjt7

— AITC (@AITCofficial) August 2, 2018

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The Commissioner of Police, Guwahati, meanwhile, prohibited the “eight MPs, West Bengal ministers, MLAs and any other political/non-political person who may deliver inflammatory speeches against the NRC from entering Guwahati City and address any gathering without appropriate permission from the competent authority”.

The police also said that “no passenger carrier including surface or air transport shall carry such persons to the area under Police Commissionerate, Guwahati.”

The order, the statement said, will be in effect from August 1 till further notice.

Cachar Superintendent of Police Rakesh Kumar said, “Under preventive detention of Section 151 of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC), the TMC leaders will be kept inside Silchar Airport.”