High Court Demands Documents on Preventive Arrests Before Protest in West Bengal

The Calcutta High Court has asked the West Bengal government to provide all documents related to the preventive arrests of four individuals ahead of an August 27 protest march to Nabanna. The court scrutinized the arrests and subsequent releases, questioning the police's justification and adherence to procedures.

The Calcutta High Court demanded on Monday that the West Bengal government present all documents relating to the arrest of four individuals ahead of an August 27 protest march to the state secretariat, Nabanna. The demonstration aimed to protest the rape-murder of a doctor at R G Kar hospital.

The court probed the legitimacy of these arrests and the subsequent release of the detainees 24 hours later, inquiring if the police followed proper procedures. According to the state, the Howrah city police enacted preventive measures because they feared the individuals could incite serious disturbances during the protest organized by 'Paschim Banga Chhatra Samaj'.

Justice Rajarshi Bharadwaj questioned the specifics of the anticipated disturbances and the reason behind the release of the protesters just 24 hours before the march. The court has instructed the state to submit all pertinent documents concerning these arrests by Tuesday.

Rajdeep Majumdar, the petitioners' lawyer, described the arrests as unlawful and sought a court order for compensation and action against those responsible for the detentions.

(With inputs from agencies.)