HC asks why no strict charge against Arabul

Home Secretary told to explain it by Feb 14.

The Calcutta High Court on Wednesday directed the state government to file an affidavit explaining why stricter sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) were not applied against Trinamool Congress strongman Arabul Islam in a case of alleged violence against CPM MLA Abdur Rezzak Mollah.

Justice Dipankar Dutta, taking note of a prayer by Mollah's son Mustaq Ahmed seeking application of stricter sections against Arabul, directed the state government to file an affidavit stating its position by February 14.

The court asked the Home Secretary to file the affidavit. Justice Dutta also directed the petitioner to file an affidavit in reply by February 20, and the matter would be taken up for hearing on February 21.

Ahmed has urged the court to direct formation of a special investigation team to ensure proper investigation with regard to the incident of violence at Bhangar in

South 24-Parganas district on January 6 when Mollah was attacked and injured.

Mollah, who had reportedly suffered back injuries, spent several days in hospital. He was released from hospital on Monday.

The petitioner alleged that relevant IPC sections had not been applied in accordance with the gravity of offence, and prayed that Sections 307 (attempt to murder) and 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means) of the IPC be applied against Arabul.

Arabul bail plea rejected

KOLKATA: The bail plea of Trinamool Congress's Arabul Islam was rejected by a court in Alipore. Arabul was arrested on January 17 more than a week after the attack on CPM MLA Abdur Rezzak Mollah and CPM cadres. His lawyer said the court rejected the plea on ground that he was involved in the incident in which six persons, including a school boy, were injured in the firing on a CPM convoy. Arabul's lawyer told the court that police did not send any seizure report and had recovered an iron rod, some stones and ropes from his client's possession. Last Friday, Arabul was discharged from SSKM Hospital and sent to 14 days judicial custody by a local court, which rejected his bail plea.

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