Cong neta ‘held’ for anti-TMC critiques

Kolkata, Oct. 18: Leader of the Congress party in Lok Sabha Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury on Friday accused the West Bengal police of “arresting” its spokesperson Samanay Bandopadhyay for circulating posts critical of the TMC government.

Family members and Congress sources said, Bandopadhyay was “arrested” by a team of Purulia district police from his home in North 24 Parganas district on Thursday evening.

The West Bengal police and Purulia district police neither confirmed nor denied having arrested or detained Mr Bandopadhyay. “We will get back to you,” a senior official of Purulia police said, when asked about the alleged arrest.

Mr Bandopadhyay is known for his staunch criticism of the TMC government through his social media posts.

“The arrest of Bandopadhyay is a classic example of intolerance of the highest order. Samanay was arrested from his home for criticising the state government. Such blatant attack on the freedom of speech and expression by the Trinamul Congress government will not stop us from protesting against the ruling dispensation.

“We condemn such undemocratic assault on the freedom of speech and political terrorism,” Mr Chowdhury said.

Reacting to the allegations, senior TMC leader and party chief whip in state Assembly, Nirmal Ghosh said, “Samanay has been arrested as there were several criminal charges against him. It has nothing to do with criticism.”