TMC Alleges Misuse of Police in West Bengal Against Party Members, Sagarika Ghose Raises Concerns

New Delhi: The Trinamool Congress (TMC) on Wednesday alleged that police machinery in West Bengal was being misused to target the party's leaders and activists, with Rajya Sabha deputy leader Sagarika Ghose raising concerns over alleged violations of legal procedures.

Addressing a press conference, Ghose claimed that police authorities were failing to upload First Information Reports (FIRs) online and were also not serving mandatory notices to accused persons in cases where such notices are required under law.

TMC Raises Questions Over FIRs

Ghose said the Supreme Court has directed police authorities to upload FIRs online, allowing accused persons to know the allegations made against them. She alleged that the requirement was not being properly followed in West Bengal.

According to the TMC leader, FIRs should also be uploaded in a clear and legible format so that individuals named in cases can access and understand the allegations against them.

Ghose alleged that the failure to make FIRs available online was part of a broader pattern of police action against TMC workers and leaders.

Allegations Over Mandatory Notices

The TMC leader also referred to provisions under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) concerning cases where the alleged offence carries a punishment of less than seven years.

She claimed that accused persons are required to receive notices in such cases, but alleged that this procedure was not being followed consistently.

Ghose further alleged that complaints relating to incidents dating back to 2018 and 2019 were being revived through fresh complaints.

"This is a conspiracy against TMC activists," she alleged.

Derek O'Brien Questioning Also Cited

Ghose also referred to the recent police questioning of senior TMC leader and Rajya Sabha MP Derek O'Brien in Kolkata.

She claimed that O'Brien was pushed during the incident and fell, but alleged that a complaint was subsequently lodged against him.

The TMC leader described the episode as another example of what she called the misuse of police powers against senior party leaders.

TMC Raises Human Rights Concerns

Ghose alleged that the issue was part of a wider pattern of what she described as "political atrocities" and intimidation of TMC leaders and activists.

She argued that excessive or politically motivated use of police powers could have wider implications for constitutional rights and the rule of law.

The TMC leader said the party would challenge what it described as human rights violations and indicated that the issue could also be raised at the international level.

Political Dispute Intensifies in West Bengal

The allegations come amid heightened political tensions in West Bengal, with the TMC and its political opponents trading accusations over law and order, police action and political violence.

The latest remarks are also significant against the backdrop of recent police investigations involving senior TMC leaders, including the questioning of party leaders in connection with ongoing cases.

The TMC has maintained that police and investigative agencies should operate independently and follow due process, while allegations of political interference have remained a recurring point of contention in the state's political discourse.

Ghose's allegations are likely to trigger a political response from the authorities and opposition parties, potentially adding another layer to the ongoing confrontation over policing, governance and political accountability in West Bengal.