Kolkata: A primary school teacher — and close associate of Abhishek Banerjee — who led the Trinamool-backed protests by BLOs in Kolkata, and former MLA Saokat Mollah were attacked with eggs while being produced in court on Tuesday.
The teacher, Maidul Islam, was arrested by Diamond Harbour police in connection with a 2022 case involving the alleged abetment to suicide of a panchayat functionary in South 24 Parganas. Islam is also the state president of the Trinamool Congress’ primary teachers’ cell.
The case dates back to Sept 2022, when Debabrata Bhattacharya, deputy chief of the Bolsiddhi Kalinagar panchayat, died by suicide. A note recovered at the time allegedly named Islam. Bhattacharya’s family claimed that Islam had escaped scrutiny earlier because of his political influence. The investigation was recently reopened, leading to his arrest.
A resident of Banshuldanga and a former CPM activist, Islam had joined the Trinamool and emerged as a prominent organiser under Abhishek Banerjee’s patronage. He became known for leading several party demonstrations, including protests outside the EC and the CEO offices.
Meanwhile, the NIA filed a 65-page charge sheet in the Bhangar bomb blast case, naming Trinamool leader Saokat Mollah and two others under the Explosives Act. Mollah, who was produced in court ahead of schedule as the agency sought judicial custody, also faced protests and egg-throwing outside the court premises. His counsel denied the agency’s allegations and questioned the evidence cited by the agency.