Kolkata: Garga Chatterjee, founder of Bangla Paksha and a faculty member of psychology at the Indian Statistical Institute (ISI), was arrested from Deshapriya Park on Tuesday by Kolkata Police's cyber cell. The arrest followed accusations of making provocative and inciting posts and spreading misinformation on social media, which allegedly aided the spread of fake news.
Background of the Case
The District Election Officer (DEO) of North Kolkata had alleged that Chatterjee made posts regarding EVM tampering, which triggered public reaction. According to Kolkata Police commissioner Ajay Nand, Chatterjee was summoned twice but did not appear, leading to his arrest.
Complaint Details
Sources revealed that the DEO Kolkata (North) lodged a complaint against Chatterjee with the cyber crime wing on May 2. The complaint pertained to a Facebook post allegedly uploaded by Chatterjee, making false claims about tampering of EVMs stored at Netaji Indoor Stadium. The post also called upon political groups and the public to assemble and protest, creating potential for panic, public unrest, and disturbance of law and order.
Repeated Questioning of EVM Processes
During the election period, Chatterjee repeatedly questioned the functioning of EVMs and raised doubts over the counting process. He publicly asked why certain EVMs were reportedly malfunctioning during counting despite being sealed and secured overnight. He also claimed that the Election Commission had certain plans later in the day. On social media, he urged voters to carefully check VVPAT slips before leaving polling booths. However, the Election Commission maintained that polling and counting processes were conducted transparently and securely in accordance with established guidelines.
Legal Proceedings
Chatterjee may be presented in court on Wednesday, and police are likely to seek custody. Commissioner Nand stated that Chatterjee raised fake claims about EVM tampering on May 3, calling upon political groups to launch agitations, which aided rumour-mongering. A case was initiated, and notices were sent twice for investigation, but Chatterjee did not comply. Police took action on their own initiative, and related complaints are also being added.
No Firearm Found
Nand clarified that Chatterjee was not carrying any firearm or ammunition. However, sources indicated that a Police Security Officer (PSO) was detained along with Chatterjee but later released. A cop from Baruipur accompanying Chatterjee was found in possession of cartridges.
Reactions and Support
Several individuals, including pro-Bengali organizations and Trinamool MP Sagarika Ghose, spoke up in favor of Chatterjee. Ghose wrote on X: 'Shocking that Chatterjee, of the group Bangla Paksha...has been arrested. Is it now a crime to take up the cause of Bengalis?' Siddhabrata Das of The National Bengal Conference said, 'Garg Da's arrest is for fighting for the rights of Bengalis and Bengali culture.'
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