A single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court has dismissed the “exemption petition” filed by former Trinamool Congress legislator Saokat Molla, who sought exemption from criminal cases filed against him by the National Investigation Agency (NIA) and the West Bengal Police. The charges against Molla include involvement in a bomb blast, corruption, extortion, and sexual offenses.
Molla was arrested by the NIA on June 5 in connection with a bomb blast in Bhangar, West Bengal. Subsequently, on June 19, he was taken into custody by the Jibantala Police Station in a rape case that was filed against him seven years ago. Another rape case was also filed against Molla, with allegations of kidnapping a child and subjecting the mother to torture.
In response to the petition, Justice Sougata Bhattacharya of the Calcutta High Court declined to consider the exemption plea, citing the serious nature of the allegations against Molla. The judge suggested that Molla could pursue the matter in another court if he wished to seek exemption. Additionally, Justice Bhattacharya criticized the practice of police making accused individuals walk publicly, emphasizing that such actions should cease immediately.
