Police in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal booked officials of the federal National Investigation Agency (NIA) under charges of molestation after they were attacked in East Medinipur on Saturday (Apr 6) during the raid and investigation of a 2022 blast.

NIA officers were charged under sections 354 (molestation) and 441 (trespassing) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Bhupatinagar police station of East Medinipur. The FIR was filed following complaints by family members of the arrested accused and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker Manabroto Jana. TMC is currently in power in West Bengal, led by the CM Mamata Banerjee.

As per the complaint, NIA officials molested women by breaking the doors of their houses late at night.

Earlier, the NIA also filed a case at Bhupatinagar police station in relation to the attack on them by locals. No one has been arrested in the case so far.

<h2>NIA refutes allegations</h2>

Following the accusations, the NIA team refuted claims and asserted that the attack was "unprovoked." The agency, in a statement on Sunday (Apr 8) said, “NIA made it clear that its actions were bona fide, lawful and legally mandated, as part of its ongoing investigation into the heinous crime related to the fabrication of crude bombs… NIA has reiterated that its team had come under violent attack by an unruly mob when they had gone to conduct searches in Naruabila village on Saturday in connection with its probe in said case.”

<h2>Its an attack on the Indian Constitution, says BJP</h2>

The NIA team was attacked after they arrested two TMC workers in connection with the December 3, 2022 blast which killed three people. Balai Maiti and Manobrata Jana were picked up by the federal agency for investigation. However, their vehicles were soon attacked, resulting in minor injuries to at least two NIA officers.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned the West Bengal government for the attack, calling it an attack on the Indian Constitution.

“Attacking a Central agency means attacking the Indian Constitution. Booking NIA officials under molestation charges for performing their duties is an indication of the collapse of all constitutional bodies. They have launched a war against the Indian Constitution,” said BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya.

Opposition party CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty also criticised the Mamata administration for filing cases against NIA officials.

“The State government is provoking. The NIA attacked, but the police didn’t arrest anyone involved in that incident. Rather they have booked NIA officials. It is so unfortunate. What do you expect when the CM herself is sending a message that the central agency cannot act against them,” said Chakraborty.

<h2>Reaction by West Bengal CM</h2>

Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the NIA's actions and alleged that the central agencies are biased towards the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/nia-team-attacked-in-bengals-east-medinipur-officer-injured-during-raid-708369">Also read:&nbsp;NIA team attacked in West Bengal’s East Medinipur during raid, officer injured</a>

"Why did they raid at midnight? Did they have police permission? Locals reacted in the way they would have if any other stranger had visited the place at midnight. Why are they arresting people right before the elections? What does the BJP think, that they will arrest every booth agent? What right does NIA have? They are doing all these to support the BJP. We call upon the entire world to fight against this BJP's dirty politics," questioned Banerjee.

(With inputs from agencies)

Police in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal booked officials of the federal National Investigation Agency (NIA) under charges of molestation after they were attacked in East Medinipur on Saturday (Apr 6) during the raid and investigation of a 2022 blast.

Police in the eastern Indian state of West Bengal booked officials of the federal National Investigation Agency (NIA) under charges of molestation after they were attacked in East Medinipur on Saturday (Apr 6) during the raid and investigation of a 2022 blast. NIA officers were charged under sections 354 (molestation) and 441 (trespassing) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) at the Bhupatinagar police station of East Medinipur. The FIR was filed following complaints by family members of the arrested accused and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker Manabroto Jana. TMC is currently in power in West Bengal, led by the CM Mamata Banerjee. As per the complaint, NIA officials molested women by breaking the doors of their houses late at night. Earlier, the NIA also filed a case at Bhupatinagar police station in relation to the attack on them by locals. No one has been arrested in the case so far. NIA refutes allegations Following the accusations, the NIA team refuted claims and asserted that the attack was "unprovoked." The agency, in a statement on Sunday (Apr 8) said, “NIA made it clear that its actions were bona fide, lawful and legally mandated, as part of its ongoing investigation into the heinous crime related to the fabrication of crude bombs… NIA has reiterated that its team had come under violent attack by an unruly mob when they had gone to conduct searches in Naruabila village on Saturday in connection with its probe in said case.” Its an attack on the Indian Constitution, says BJP The NIA team was attacked after they arrested two TMC workers in connection with the December 3, 2022 blast which killed three people. Balai Maiti and Manobrata Jana were picked up by the federal agency for investigation. However, their vehicles were soon attacked, resulting in minor injuries to at least two NIA officers. The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) condemned the West Bengal government for the attack, calling it an attack on the Indian Constitution. “Attacking a Central agency means attacking the Indian Constitution. Booking NIA officials under molestation charges for performing their duties is an indication of the collapse of all constitutional bodies. They have launched a war against the Indian Constitution,” said BJP’s Rajya Sabha MP Samik Bhattacharya. Opposition party CPI(M) leader Sujan Chakraborty also criticised the Mamata administration for filing cases against NIA officials. “The State government is provoking. The NIA attacked, but the police didn’t arrest anyone involved in that incident. Rather they have booked NIA officials. It is so unfortunate. What do you expect when the CM herself is sending a message that the central agency cannot act against them,” said Chakraborty. Reaction by West Bengal CM Meanwhile, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee criticised the NIA's actions and alleged that the central agencies are biased towards the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Also read: NIA team attacked in West Bengal’s East Medinipur during raid, officer injured "Why did they raid at midnight? Did they have police permission? Locals reacted in the way they would have if any other stranger had visited the place at midnight. Why are they arresting people right before the elections? What does the BJP think, that they will arrest every booth agent? What right does NIA have? They are doing all these to support the BJP. We call upon the entire world to fight against this BJP's dirty politics," questioned Banerjee. (With inputs from agencies)

India: NIA officials attacked during raid booked for ‘molestation’ by West Bengal police

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/saradha-scam-supreme-court-vacates-order-granting-protection-from-arrest-to-ex-kolkata-commissioner-rajeev-kumar-219314">Former Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar</a> Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking an extension of the seven-day protection granted to him by the apex court in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam case.

Kumar's lawyer mentioned the matter for urgent listing before a vacation bench comprising Justices Indira Banerjee and Sanjiv Khanna. The council said the apex court had on May 17 granted seven days time to Kumar to approach the competent court for legal remedies but they want an extension of time as lawyers in Kolkata courts are presently on a strike.

Kumar's counsel said four days have already elapsed and they needed time to approach the competent court in Kolkata. However, the bench said since the May 17 order was passed by a three-judge bench, they can approach the registry for the listing of the matter before an appropriate bench.

"You are a lawyer and you know that CJI is the master of roster," the bench told Kumar's counsel and asked him to approach the registry for the listing of the matter. On May 17, a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had withdrawn the protection from arrest granted to Kumar by its February 5 order.

The apex court, on February 5, had granted protection from arrest to Kumar while directing him to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate with the investigation of cases arising out of the scam.

The bench, however, had said the protection to Kumar would continue for seven days from May 17 to enable him to approach the competent court for relief. The top court had also expressed concern over the confrontation between the CBI and the West Bengal Police in the case, saying that "at the receiving end are silently waiting for lakhs of a small town and rural investors who have been deprived and looted of their savings".

The bench had said the situation was grim as both sides have hardened their stand and there was no administrative mechanism in place to avoid and resolve such conflicts between two wings of the police force in the country.

It had noted that the CBI had issued three notices on October 18 and October 23, 2017, and on December 8, 2018, asking Kumar to appear and join the investigation, but he had not responded.

The court had also noted that the West Bengal government and Kumar have alleged "political vendetta" and have made allegations against M Nageswara Rao, former interim CBI director. In its order, the court had said the CBI had alleged non-cooperation and charged WB state police with "obfuscating investigation by causing impediments and roadblocks with a view to protecting big names and members/leaders of the ruling party in the State of West Bengal".

The court had noted the CBI's claim of having substantial material implicating Kumar, the then Commissioner, Bidhannagar Commissionerate, of connivance and complicity with the principal accused.

Earlier, Kumar in an affidavit before the court had alleged that he was targeted by the CBI in the chit fund case due to "mala fide intent" and "conflict of interest" of Rao as his family members were under the scanner post-demonetisation.

The Election Commission on Wednesday had ordered the removal of Kumar, who was posted as Additional Director General, CID, in West Bengal for allegedly failing to control incidents of violence in the state and had asked him to report to the Union Home Ministry on Thursday.

Kumar was removed along with West Bengal's Principal Secretary (Home) Atri Bhattacharya after parts of Kolkata witnessed widespread violence during BJP president Amit Shah's massive roadshow in the city.&nbsp;

Former Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking an extension of the seven-day protection granted to him by the apex court in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam case.

Former Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar Monday moved the Supreme Court seeking an extension of the seven-day protection granted to him by the apex court in connection with the Saradha chit fund scam case. Kumar's lawyer mentioned the matter for urgent listing before a vacation bench comprising Justices Indira Banerjee and Sanjiv Khanna. The council said the apex court had on May 17 granted seven days time to Kumar to approach the competent court for legal remedies but they want an extension of time as lawyers in Kolkata courts are presently on a strike. Kumar's counsel said four days have already elapsed and they needed time to approach the competent court in Kolkata. However, the bench said since the May 17 order was passed by a three-judge bench, they can approach the registry for the listing of the matter before an appropriate bench. "You are a lawyer and you know that CJI is the master of roster," the bench told Kumar's counsel and asked him to approach the registry for the listing of the matter. On May 17, a three-judge bench headed by Chief Justice Ranjan Gogoi had withdrawn the protection from arrest granted to Kumar by its February 5 order. The apex court, on February 5, had granted protection from arrest to Kumar while directing him to appear before the CBI and "faithfully" cooperate with the investigation of cases arising out of the scam. The bench, however, had said the protection to Kumar would continue for seven days from May 17 to enable him to approach the competent court for relief. The top court had also expressed concern over the confrontation between the CBI and the West Bengal Police in the case, saying that "at the receiving end are silently waiting for lakhs of a small town and rural investors who have been deprived and looted of their savings". The bench had said the situation was grim as both sides have hardened their stand and there was no administrative mechanism in place to avoid and resolve such conflicts between two wings of the police force in the country. It had noted that the CBI had issued three notices on October 18 and October 23, 2017, and on December 8, 2018, asking Kumar to appear and join the investigation, but he had not responded. The court had also noted that the West Bengal government and Kumar have alleged "political vendetta" and have made allegations against M Nageswara Rao, former interim CBI director. In its order, the court had said the CBI had alleged non-cooperation and charged WB state police with "obfuscating investigation by causing impediments and roadblocks with a view to protecting big names and members/leaders of the ruling party in the State of West Bengal". The court had noted the CBI's claim of having substantial material implicating Kumar, the then Commissioner, Bidhannagar Commissionerate, of connivance and complicity with the principal accused. Earlier, Kumar in an affidavit before the court had alleged that he was targeted by the CBI in the chit fund case due to "mala fide intent" and "conflict of interest" of Rao as his family members were under the scanner post-demonetisation. The Election Commission on Wednesday had ordered the removal of Kumar, who was posted as Additional Director General, CID, in West Bengal for allegedly failing to control incidents of violence in the state and had asked him to report to the Union Home Ministry on Thursday. Kumar was removed along with West Bengal's Principal Secretary (Home) Atri Bhattacharya after parts of Kolkata witnessed widespread violence during BJP president Amit Shah's massive roadshow in the city.

Saradha scam: Ex-Kolkata police commissioner Rajeev Kumar moves Supreme Court seeking extension of protection

The Supreme Court on Wednesday questioned the West Bengal government over the delay in release of BJP youth leader Priyanka Sharma.Watch full video to know more.

Supreme Court questions the delay in releasing BJP youth leader Priyanka Sharma

A man was arrested in Tripura's Dhalai district for allegedly making derogatory remarks against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in social media, a police officer said Tuesday.

A West Bengal Police team arrested Tushar Sharma of Kulai area in Dhalai district on October 6 for the alleged derogatory remarks against Banerjee, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Ambassa, Asish Das Gupta said

Sharma was produced before the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) of Ambassa.

The West Bengal Police sought his transit remand. However, the CJM rejected the request of the West Bengal Police as the arrested person was sick and ordered for his admission in a hospital.

The CJM ordered that the accused be produced before it on Wednesday.

A West Bengal Police team camping in Tripura said it will again appeal for the transit remand of Sharma in the court on Wednesday.&nbsp;

A man was arrested in Tripura's Dhalai district for allegedly making derogatory remarks against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in social media, a police officer said Tuesday.

A man was arrested in Tripura's Dhalai district for allegedly making derogatory remarks against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in social media, a police officer said Tuesday. A West Bengal Police team arrested Tushar Sharma of Kulai area in Dhalai district on October 6 for the alleged derogatory remarks against Banerjee, Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO), Ambassa, Asish Das Gupta said Sharma was produced before the court of the Chief Judicial Magistrate (CJM) of Ambassa. The West Bengal Police sought his transit remand. However, the CJM rejected the request of the West Bengal Police as the arrested person was sick and ordered for his admission in a hospital. The CJM ordered that the accused be produced before it on Wednesday. A West Bengal Police team camping in Tripura said it will again appeal for the transit remand of Sharma in the court on Wednesday.

Man arrested for derogatory remarks against Mamata Banerjee