City court rejects bail plea of Hindu Samhati chief, 3 other activists

Kolkata: A city court has rejected the bail plea of Tapan Ghosh, Hindu Samhati chief and three of its activists on Saturday who were earlier arrested for allegedly attacking scribes.

They are remanded to judicial custody up to 22 February after they were produced before a city court on Saturday. Ghosh was earlier remanded to police custody after he was arrested on the charges of heckling the scribes who went to cover the organisation's 10th foundation day.

Ghosh, the founder of Hindu Samhati, was present on stage when the scuffle broke out between the scribes and activists of the hardliner Hindu outfit. He was later arrested after being interrogated.

Reporters and camera persons of various media houses were allegedly beaten up by the activists present at the meeting after they tried to talk to the members of a Muslim family who allegedly converted to Hinduism

during the event.

It may be recalled that the Chief Minister reacted sharply after the incident condemning the attack on scribes. She also stated that strong action would be taken against the accused who had allegedly assaulted the journalists.

Giving his reaction, Trinamool Congress secretary general Partha Chatterjee said the media has the right to work independently. He also demanded strict action against the accused.