Kolkata, 10 August (H.S.): Sumit Roy, aide to Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, on Monday sought an early hearing before the Calcutta High Court on his plea seeking protection from arrest in four fresh cases registered against him.

Roy’s counsel drew the attention of Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya to the matter and requested that the petition be heard at the earliest. The case is likely to come up for hearing this week.

Roy had recently received interim protection from the Supreme Court in connection with a land corruption case. Following the order, he appeared before the Criminal Investigation Department (CID) on Saturday and subsequently appeared before the agency on Sunday and Monday as well.

However, apprehending arrest in four other cases, Roy approached the Calcutta High Court seeking interim protection. His counsel, Ayan Bhattacharyya, told the court that the matter could not be heard on August 7 and requested an early hearing.

The lawyer argued that Roy was cooperating with the investigation and should therefore be granted interim protection from arrest in the four fresh cases.

Roy had remained untraceable for a considerable period and several cases are pending against him. Acting on a police application, the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate in Medinipur had issued an arrest warrant against him.

Following this, Roy approached the Calcutta High Court through his lawyer seeking anticipatory bail. After the High Court rejected his plea, he moved the Supreme Court for relief.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh