Kolkata: A video has gone viral on social media showing one of the 16 accused Sk Md Salman Hussain cleaning up Esplanade at the end of the Friday protest, prompting his family to question why someone would hurl bottles when he himself is clearing the spot.
In the video, Salman was seen picking up the plastic bottles from the road that were discarded by protesters as he thought it’s his “duty” and “responsibility” to clean the site after protest. He even expressed his unconditional love for the nation in the video.
His brother, Sk Imran Hussain, said, “On Saturday night, the police came to our house and took Salman bhai to the Rajabagan PS. Later, he was transferred to Lalbazar. My brother took part in the peaceful protest on Friday against NEET paper leaks. There are no videos or evidence against him that can show he was involved in the attack. Instead, there are videos showing that Salman was picking up the used plastic bottles to clean the area.”
Imran asked, “Why will someone, who is picking up the bottles, hurl those to attack people? Is participating in a protest or being a Muslim crime? How many times will we have to prove our love for this soil and country? We unequivocally condemn the attack on journalists. I will appeal to the govt to release my brother as he is innocent.”
Resident of Metiaburuz, Kashif Zafar, who also took part in the rally, said, “I saw Sk Salman picking up bottles and garbage from Esplanade and was preaching about peace. In the locality, he is known to be a person who works for communal harmony.”
He has been arrested under multiple sections, including rioting, snatching and extreme forms of assault and sections 9 of the amended West Bengal Maintenance of Public Order Act. On Monday, Salman was taken barefoot to the Esplanade reconstruction site where he was taken around RR Avenue and Dorina Crossing to reconstruct his crime. “He is among the key conspirators,” said a senior officer. Salman will be produced in court on Tuesday.