A Haldia court on Saturday rejected the bail plea of Congress candidate Milan Pradhan, who was arrested in connection with cases dating back to the 2007 Nandigram land acquisition movement. The court sent Pradhan to 14 days of judicial custody till October 3.
Notably, Pradhan’s arrest came just hours after former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee extended her support to him for the Nandigram bypolls, scheduled for October 6. The development came after Mamata camp candidate Sanchita Pradhan Dey withdrew her nomination from the bypoll amid the Trinamool Congress’ name and symbol freeze by the Election Commission.
Pradhan, the Congress nominee for the upcoming Nandigram Assembly bypoll, was arrested on Friday in connection with multiple pending cases. Police said the cases were registered in 2007 and include serious charges such as murder, attempt to murder, rioting and offences under the Arms Act.
Milan Pradhan Arrested
According to the Kolkata Police, Congress candidate Milan Pradhan was arrested on September 18 during a special drive for execution of long-pending non-bailable warrants, as per the standing instructions of the Election Commission of India for elections and bypolls.
“The concerned cases against the arrested person involve serious offences including murder, attempt to murder, abduction with intent to murder, causing disappearance of evidence, house trespass, rioting with arms and deadly weapons,” the police said in a press release.
Opposition Attacks BJP
The Opposition parties questioned the timing of the arrest, which came just hours after Mamata Banerjee announced her decision to back the Congress party in Nandigram bypolls, aiming to strength INDIA bloc.
The Congress has also questioned why action was taken against Pradhan at this stage despite the cases dating back to 2007. West Bengal Congress president Subhankar Sarkar said the party was initially unclear about the reason for the arrest and Pradhan’s whereabouts. Congress leaders have alleged political motivation behind the action.
However, the BJP has rejected the allegations of political interference and maintained that police action was in accordance with law.