Kolkata, 21 July (H.S.): The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday sought a report from the police over the alleged vandalism of the stage erected for the Trinamool Congress' July 21 Martyrs' Day programme. During the hearing, Justice Saugata Bhattacharyya asked the police to explain what action had been taken after the incident.
Appearing for the Kalighat Trinamool Congress unit, advocate Arka Nag informed the court that soon after the alleged incident on Monday night, a detailed email had been sent to Chief Justice Tapobrata Chakraborty. He also referred to the High Court's earlier directions regarding law and order during the event.
Justice Bhattacharyya observed that the court had already directed the authorities to prevent any untoward incident and ensure adequate security arrangements. He questioned how such an incident could have occurred despite those directions and sought details of the police action taken so far.
The court directed the police to submit a report on the matter on Tuesday itself. It also instructed the Joint Commissioner of Police to ensure that no untoward incident takes place during the July 21 programme.
With the permission of the High Court, the Kalighat Trinamool Congress unit has set up this year's Martyrs' Day stage in front of the Birla Planetarium on Cathedral Road. On Monday evening, Trinamool Congress chairperson Mamata Banerjee visited the venue and alleged that attempts were being made to disrupt the party's rally and create difficulties in arranging accommodation for supporters coming from different parts of the state.
Around 11 p.m. on Monday, reports emerged of alleged vandalism at the stage, following which Mamata Banerjee, Dola Sen, Derek O'Brien and other Trinamool leaders rushed to the spot. Addressing supporters through a handheld microphone, Banerjee alleged that miscreants had attacked the stage and announced that she and other party leaders would remain at the venue throughout the night to ensure that the Martyrs' Day tribute programme was held without any disruption.
---------------
Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey
