Counter FIR filed in Bengal NIA attack case, accuses officials of molestation

Kolkata, April 7 (IANS) – A counter FIR has been filed by the family of one of the two arrested Trinamool Congress leaders, alleging molestation by NIA officials after the attack on NIA sleuths at Bhupatinagar in West Bengal’s East Midnapore district. The leaders were arrested in connection with a blast that occurred on December 22 last year.

The Sub-Divisional Police Officer of Contai, Dibakar Das, confirmed that a counter FIR was registered by the family members of Monobrata Jana, one of the arrested leaders, under Section 354 of the Indian Penal Code. The FIR accuses NIA sleuths of molestation of women.

Two parallel investigations have been initiated by Bhupatinagar police station – one based on the NIA’s complaint regarding the attack on their sleuths, and the other on the complaint of alleged molestation against the NIA sleuths. Despite 24 hours passing since NIA registered its FIR, no arrests have been made.

The significance of the counter FIR lies in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s accusations against NIA sleuths of harassing local women at Bhupatinagar. She highlighted the issue during an election rally, stating, “Women did not attack anyone in Bhupatinagar. The NIA attacked first. If they go to a residence at odd hours and harass the women, what will they do? Will they sit at home and cover their faces?”

This incident mirrors the ruling party’s previous stance after the attack on ED and CAPF personnel at Sandeshkhali on January 5. A counter FIR was filed against the ED sleuths by an employee of Sheikh Shahjahan, where the sleuths were accused of attempting an unauthorized entry at Shahjahan’s residence.

The situation is evolving, with tensions escalating between the NIA and the ruling party in West Bengal. The investigations into the incident at Bhupatinagar are ongoing, with both sides presenting their perspectives on the events that transpired.