Calcutta HC orders additional police cover for Mahua Moitra amid harassment claims

The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday directed the West Bengal Police to provide two additional police personnel to Trinamool Congress MP Mahua Moitra whenever she visits her constituency for the next 30 days, amid allegations that she has repeatedly faced mob harassment, including egg-pelting and obstruction. Justice Saugata Bhattacharya passed the direction while hearing Moitra’s petition concerning alleged disturbances during her constituency visits. Senior advocate Kalyan Bandopadhyay, appearing for the MP, submitted that the incidents were preventing her from freely discharging her responsibilities as an elected representative.

Court raises safety concerns

During the hearing, the court questioned what such incidents meant for the safety of other political representatives. “If an MP is subjected to egg pelting and other harassment while she enters into her constituency, then what will happen to other political persons who show allegiance to rival parties?” the court asked. Bandopadhyay told the bench that people had allegedly thrown stones and potatoes at Moitra and referred to an incident involving a Circuit House allotted to her, claiming its allotment was cancelled around 10.30 pm while BJP workers were allegedly gathered outside and police personnel were absent.

Moitra’s counsel also submitted that details of the alleged incidents had been communicated to the officer-in-charge of the police station concerned and that the MP had contacted the Director General of Police through WhatsApp during one such incident, but the police response came around three hours later.

State says action taken

Additional Advocate General Rajdeep Mazumdar, appearing for the state, told the court that Moitra had lodged complaints over the incidents and necessary steps had been taken. He pointed out that the last incident referred to in the proceedings occurred on July 2 and sought instructions on whether she had subsequently visited the constituency and faced further harassment.

The state also submitted that Moitra already receives security as an MP. The court, however, observed that the incidents prima facie raised concerns about her safety and said the state must deal firmly with the situation.

Under the interim arrangement, Moitra will inform the police about the dates of her constituency visits, following which two additional personnel will accompany her, over and above her existing personal security. The arrangement will remain in force for 30 days, after which the state will submit a further report to the court. The matter is scheduled to be heard again on October 1.