Trinamool Councillor Rajib Dalal Arrested in Nadia Over Nomination Day Incident
Police in Kalyani, Nadia district, made a significant arrest on Friday, taking Trinamool Congress councillor Rajib Dalal into custody. Dalal, who represents Ward 17 and holds the historic position as the first-ever chairman of the Haringhata Municipality, was apprehended from his residence in Barajaguli.
Alleged Altercation During Nomination Filing
The arrest is reportedly connected to an incident that occurred on the day of nomination filing for the Haringhata constituency. According to police sources, Dalal was involved in an alleged altercation with the returning officer at the Kalyani sub-divisional office. This confrontation prompted a formal complaint to be lodged at the Kalyani police station, leading to the investigation and subsequent arrest.
Legal Charges and Judicial Proceedings
Rajib Dalal has been formally charged under multiple sections of the law:
- Sections 319 and 318(4) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS)
- Section 134 of the Representation of the People Act
Following his arrest, Dalal was produced before the Kalyani sub-divisional court. The court has remanded him to judicial custody until Monday, pending further legal proceedings.
Political Reactions and Controversy
The arrest has sparked immediate political controversy and divided reactions:
- Family and Legal Defense: Dalal's wife, Sujata, along with his advocate Sourik Mukherjee, have strongly condemned the arrest, calling it "politically motivated" and alleging unfair targeting.
- Local Party Leadership: Prominent local Trinamool figures, including party leader Chanchal Debnath and municipal chairman Debasish Bose, have criticized the arrest procedure. They have specifically questioned why no prior notice was served before the arrest, calling this omission "unjustified" and raising concerns about due process.
Court Seeks Explanation on Arrest Procedure
In a notable development, the Kalyani court has taken cognizance of the procedural concerns raised by Dalal's supporters. The court has formally sought an explanation from the Investigating Officer (IO) regarding why no notice was served prior to the arrest. This judicial inquiry adds another layer to the ongoing legal and political drama surrounding the case.
The arrest of a sitting municipal chairman and elected representative has created significant political ripples in Nadia district, with implications for both local governance and upcoming electoral processes in the region.
