CPI(M) leader and lawyer Bikash Ranjan Bhattacharya’s house was attacked on Thursday morning by an unidentified masked man on a motorcycle with a hidden number plate. Bottles were thrown at the house and the CCTV camera broken. In response, Bhattacharya had put out a social media post alleging that Hindutva forces were behind the attack.
A day later, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari said that the accused Bappa Gochai has been identified and arrested by police after an FIR was filed. The CM, however, issued an ultimatum to Bhattacharya to remove the word ‘Hindutva’ from the post within 24 hours, else face consequences under the law.
“We have done our work. Police have taken action under specific sections,” said Adhikari while also condemning the attack. He added that attacks on lawyers and doctors will not be tolerated, The CM, however, said a case has been registered under the Garfa and Kasba Police stations under relevant laws of Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) due to the post by Bhattacharya.
Adhikari said that police will ask Bhattacharya to remove the post. If the CPI(M) leader fails to meet the deadline to remove the word ‘Hindutva’, action will be taken against him. “No one has given the right to slander any religion or community. There is no need to think of Hindus as so weak,” said the CM.
Adhikari gave a stern warning that attacking any community on social media will not be tolerated in this regime.
Mamata Banerjee had also come out in support of Bhattacharya condemning the attack. Whether the CPI(M) leader deletes the word ‘Hindutva’ from his post or takes on the CM in a head on challenge will determine whether Adhikari’s stern warning has borne effect not just on Bhattacharya but on others who choose to defy the saffron diktat.
