In a dramatic turn of events in West Bengal's Murshidabad district, the son of a suspended Trinamool Congress legislator was arrested and later released on bail following allegations of assaulting a police officer. The incident has sparked a political controversy, with the MLA accusing the police of acting at the behest of his former party.
Police Action at MLA's Residence
On Sunday, a team of police officers surrounded the Shantipur residence of Bharatpur MLA Humayun Kabir in Manikyahar, Behrampore. The law enforcement officials were there to question his son, Golam Nabi Azad, popularly known as Robin. The action was initiated based on a complaint filed by constable Jumma Khan, who served as one of Kabir's three Personal Security Officers (PSOs).
According to the police complaint, Khan alleged that Robin assaulted him when he sought leave for personal work. Following several hours of intense questioning at the police station, Robin was formally arrested. However, he was subsequently released on bail the same day.
MLA's Counter-Allegations and Political Context
MLA Humayun Kabir, who was not present at his residence during the police action, vehemently denied the allegations against his son. He presented a starkly different version of events. Kabir claimed that Constable Khan barged into his office without permission while he was in a conversation with Robin.
"He (Khan) breached our privacy and abruptly started arguing about a leave. He was about to attack me when my son stepped in," Kabir stated. The MLA further asserted that he had made several prior complaints to Behrampore police about Khan's alleged unruly behaviour and had requested his replacement. Kabir insisted that CCTV footage from his office would corroborate his account and prove there was no assault.
This incident adds another layer to Kabir's already contentious political journey. He has been in the spotlight since his suspension from the Trinamool Congress. Post-suspension, he laid the foundation for a Babri Masjid-styled mosque and announced his own political outfit, the Janata Unnayan Party (JUP). Kabir directly alleged that the police were questioning his son at the behest of the Trinamool Congress.
Official Statements and Political Reactions
Additional Superintendent of Police (ASP) Majid Iqbal Khan confirmed that an FIR has been registered against both Humayun Kabir and his son Robin. He stated that, according to the PSO's complaint, the episode occurred "in full public view", and the police have begun examining available CCTV footage as part of their investigation.
The Trinamool Congress responded through its spokesperson, Arup Chakraborty. He stated that, as per the party's information, Kabir's son pushed the constable when he entered the house to seek leave. "He committed a cognisable offence by raising his hand at a police officer and police have taken action as per law. The party has nothing to do with the incident," Chakraborty clarified. He also noted that despite Kabir's suspension, his son Robin remains a Trinamool member and holds a post in the Beldanga-II panchayat samiti.
The incident drew reactions from other political quarters as well. BJP state president Samik Bhattacharya commented, "Humayun is a Trinamool product and the party is trying to bring him into prominence." Congress working committee member Adhir Chowdhury said the exact sequence of events leading to the incident was a matter for inquiry.
The case continues to develop as police proceed with their investigation, scrutinising evidence and statements from all involved parties.
