Kolkata, Sep 20 (PTI) A block-level leader of Humayun Kabir-led Aam Janata Unnayan Party have been arrested for allegedly making provocative remarks against police in May, taking the total number of accused held in the case so far to four, an official said on Sunday.
Nasim Sheikh was arrested from Miangram of Rejinagar assembly constituency on Saturday night, he said.
The bypoll to the Rejinagar assembly constituency, necessitated by AJUP chief Humayun Kabir’s resignation from the seat as he opted to retain Nawda, is slated for October 6. The party has fielded Kabir’s son Golam Nabi Azad for the bypoll.
The police officer said, “The case relates to a workers’ meeting organised by the AJUP in Shaktipur on May 7. Several party leaders, including its chief Humayun Kabir, were allegedly involved in making objectionable remarks against the police from the dais, following which a case was registered at Shaktipur police station,” he said.
“Nasim Sheikh was arrested after his involvement in the case emerged during the investigation. We are examining the statements and are also looking for the other accused,” a senior police officer said, adding that the investigation was at an early stage.
Kabir, however, claimed that Sheikh was framed. “He is a distant relative of mine, a former Army personnel and a businessman. He is being framed,” the AJUP chief said.
An Independent candidate for the Rejinagar Assembly bypoll in West Bengal was arrested on Saturday in a five-year-old case of a clash between two groups during the 2021 state elections. The arrested candidate, Saiful Islam, is associated with the AJUP.
Police also arrested AJUP state secretary Ashik Iqbal on Friday during vehicle checking at a police picket in Murshidabad district with a large quantity of fake currency and illegal arms, officials said. Another person travelling with Iqbal has also been arrested. PTI SCH NSD
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