Congress leader held in Bengal

The arrest of a spokesperson of the Bengal unit of the Congress for using social media to criticise the Mamata Banerjee government triggered a political controversy in the state, with all opposition parties targeting the government for curbing democratic space.

According to the Congress, a spokesperson of its Bengal unit Sanmay Bandyopadhyay was picked up from his residence at Agarpara in North 24-Parganas district on Thursday night by a group of 50-60 persons who did not disclose their identity. He was produced at a court in Purulia, about 280 km, on Friday.

“Sanmay Banerjee was arrested by the cyber crime section from Khardha area of North 24 Parganas district on Thursday on the basis of a complaint,” said Akash Magharia, superintendent Purulia district police.

He was charged under sections 465 (forgery), 469 (forgery for harming reputation), 500 (defamation), 505 (statements inducing public mischief) of the Indian Penal Code and section 66 (computer related offences) of the Information Technology Act.

“He used to highlight on social media the injustices perpetrated by the ruling party. It (the arrest) is a political conspiracy,” said Tanmay Bandyopadhyay, the elder brother of Sanmay.

The leader of the Congress in the Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury condemned the arrest on social media. The BJP and the Left demanded his unconditional release. The ruling TMC said it has nothing to do with the arrest.