Ensure safety of netas’ convoys, Cal HC says on Suvendu plea
Times of India | 3 February 2026
Kolkata: Calcutta High Court on Monday, hearing a PIL by state leader of opposition Suvendu Adhikari, directed Bengal govt to ensure adequate safety for convoys of political netas, ministers and members of the legislative assembly, as per their entitlement.
Adhikari moved the division bench of Chief Justice Sujoy Paul and Justice Partha Sarathi Sen, alleging targeted attacks and recurring instances of violence, particularly citing the alleged attack on his convoy in West Midnapore's Chandrakona on Jan 10. Adhikari claimed that his convoy was attacked and, despite the presence of police personnel, no preventive measure was taken and he was rescued by his personal security staff.
The division bench directed: "Since the State has prayed for time, it shall be the duty of the State to ensure that, in the meantime, political leaders/ministers/MPs move in the area, they shall be given adequate protection in accordance with their entitlement."
Adhikari sought a minimum distance of 200 metres between police personnel and the LoP's convoy.
Adhikari's counsel told the court that cops, under the "guise of route lining", allegedly orchestrated the attack. It was further claimed that sensitive details were passed on, leading to gatherings by anti-social elements conducting these attacks.