The Calcutta High Court has taken a significant step in ensuring the safety of the family of a deceased Indian National Congress worker who was allegedly killed by members and workers affiliated with the ruling political dispensation. This decision comes in response to a plea filed by the slain worker's wife, seeking an extension of the police protection granted to her family.
In a hearing before a single bench presided over by Justice Jay Sengupta, the court directed local police authorities to provide continued protection to the petitioner's family. The court's decision was prompted by concerns raised in the plea, indicating that the family was facing threats from the accused individuals, urging the petitioner to withdraw her complaint. Notably, the court relied on mobile tower location records, revealing that the petitioner was indeed under threat.
The court expressed its dismay at the fact that the accused individuals, despite court directives, were freely moving around and intimidating the petitioner to retract her complaint. Justice Sengupta emphasized the need for immediate action, stating that the miscreants were persistently engaging in such activities. The court ordered the police to maintain a sharp vigil in the vicinity, preventing any breach of peace and ensuring the petitioner's safety.
As part of the protective measures, a police picket consisting of two personnel, one of whom is armed, was stationed in front of the petitioner's house by the local police. This arrangement was mandated to continue for a duration of three months, indicating the severity of the perceived threats faced by the family.
The petitioner contended that her husband, a Congress worker, fell victim to an attack by members of the ruling party. Tragically, he succumbed to his injuries. The petitioner further raised concerns about the adequacy of the ongoing investigation, asserting that the accused individuals remained at large and had not been apprehended.
In response, counsel for the respondents, representing the accused, refuted the allegations presented in the writ petition. The defense argued that some of the accused had been granted anticipatory bail, while others had received regular bail, with some anticipatory bail applications still pending.
The State, intervening in the matter, assured the court that a thorough investigation was underway, with several accused individuals already in custody. Despite these assurances, the court deemed it necessary to extend police protection to the petitioner's family, recognizing the persistent threats and the apparent shortcomings in the investigation process.
Having considered the submissions from all parties involved, the court disposed of the plea by reiterating the importance of maintaining a vigilant police presence in the area. The directive aimed to safeguard the petitioner and her family, emphasizing the court's commitment to preventing any harm or breach of peace. In this way, the Calcutta High Court demonstrated its proactive stance in addressing the complex and sensitive issues arising from political violence and ensuring the protection of citizens in the face of potential threats.
TAGS: Plea Justice Jay Sengupta Threats Accused Mobile tower location records Breach of peace Court directives Miscreants Police picket
