Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, has raised concerns about his personal security and the alleged lack of protection by state police authorities. Adhikari’s counsel approached the Calcutta High Court, highlighting the failure of the police to ensure adequate security despite existing threats. The petition filed seeks the High Court’s intervention for improved security measures for Adhikari.
The move follows protests outside the office of the Chief Electoral Officer in Kolkata, where Adhikari faced demonstrations by booth-level officers reportedly supported by the Trinamool Congress. During the protest, shoes were thrown at Adhikari in the presence of police who, as per his counsel, did not effectively control the situation.
Allegations in the petition suggest that the police did not promptly act despite Adhikari facing protests and heckling outside the CEO’s office. The division bench of the High Court has allowed the petition and will review the matter in the upcoming week. Tension escalated during Adhikari’s visit to submit a deputation at the CEO’s office, leading to strong remarks from Adhikari against the protesting officers.
The security concerns raised by Adhikari in the fresh petition add to an existing public interest litigation (PIL) before the Calcutta High Court. This PIL aims to prevent political workers and supporters from approaching the Leader of the Opposition during public events to avoid security risks. Adhikari had previously approached the High Court after an alleged attack on his convoy in Chandrakona, where police actions were questioned.
