BJP's Roopa Ganguly Granted Bail Amid Controversial Arrest

BJP leader Roopa Ganguly was granted bail after being arrested during a protest for justice following a fatal accident in Kolkata. Ganguly accused the police of imposing unwarranted charges, while officials claimed her actions obstructed their work. Tensions arose around allegations of political influence in the case.

BJP leader Roopa Ganguly was granted bail by the Alipore Police Court on Thursday, following her arrest earlier that day. The court required a bond of Rs 1,000 for her release. Ganguly, upon being taken to the court's lockup, stated, "I haven't troubled anyone or obstructed any work. My protest was for justice for a murdered boy, and yet, charges have been unfairly laid against me."

The incident traces back to Ganguly's protest at the Bansdroni Police Station, where she demanded justice for a schoolboy who died after an excavator incident in Kolkata's Bansdroni area. According to Ganguly, she was simply protesting peacefully when authorities detained her and transported her to Lalbazar Police Station. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Kumar Verma cited her arrest as a measure against obstructing police operations. "An unfortunate accident took place in Bansdroni, leading to a student's death and subsequent civil unrest. Several arrests had been made, and Ganguly's demands for releasing those nabbed for manhandling officers were met with legal constraints," Verma said to ANI.

The commissioner further mentioned that despite repeated requests for her to disperse, Ganguly's refusal to leave the dharna constituted an obstruction of police duties, leading to her court appearance. Ganguly alleged the involvement of close aides of a local TMC counselor, claiming, "A 14-year-old was killed on his way to tuition by a vehicle run by unqualified operators amidst a drunken spree, provoked by political connections. While they roam free, I was the one arrested unjustly for seeking accountability."

(With inputs from agencies.)