Congress MP’s arrest sparks violence in Bengal

‘‘Nobody was injured in the incident. As of now no one has been arrested. We have picked up some Congress supporters and interrogation is on,’’ said Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central Division) Ajay Kumar.

The Eastern Railway service too, was affected as Congress supporters blocked the lines at several sections of Howrah and Sealdah divisions.

The suburban commuters had a harrowing ordeal after trains were cancelled and delayed in Naihati, Ranaghat, Krishnagar, Bongaon and Sealdah sections, with blockades being imposed in not less than 17 stations between 6.30 am and 12.30 pm. The Howrah-bound Rajdhani Express was delayed by 15 minutes while Kanchenjunga Express (UP) was delayed by 45 minutes. The Sealdah bound Rajdhani Express was delayed by over half an hour. Chaos prevailed at various stations at Katwa-Azb>

Kolkata: Congress MP Adhir Choudhury, who was arrested in New Delhi on Saturday, was remanded to judicial custody till November 28 by a Berhampore court on Sunday for the alleged killing of a restaurant owner and his son, amid protests by Congress workers who fought pitched battles with police outside the court. He was, however, given bail in a case of rioting.

Trouble in the area—which is Choudhury’s constituency—erupted Saturday night after news of the MP’s arrest. Choudhury was driven to Berhampore from Dum Dum Airport after he was flown in from New Delhi. The heavily-escorted police convoy faced blockades at Plassey near Bethuadahri forest and also near DM’s bungalow in Murshidabad. When he was produced at the court, his supporters started sloganeering. As the crowd swelled and started brickbatting the police, the police resorted to teargas and lathicharge.

Adhir was moved to the Murshidabad Central Jail, where he would be housed till November 28. —ENS