Asansol Violence: BJP MP Babul Supriyo files counter-FIR against IPS officer

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Babul Supriyo, who was booked for assaulting an IPS officer in West Bengal’s Asansol on Thursday, has filed a counter-FIR against the police namely Rupesh Kumar.

Earlier in the day, the BJP MP got into a scuffle after police stopped him from entering his constituency, citing security reasons. Section 144 of the CrPC was imposed in the Asansol-Raniganj area and Supriyo allegedly attacked Kumar to enter the Railpar area in Paschim Burdwan district. He was seen engaged in a verbal spat with police personnel, who surrounded his vehicle.

The Asansol-Raniganj area has been on the boil since Sunday, over clashes following a Ram Navami rally.

"Supriyo claimed that two FIRs were lodged against him after which he also filed a complaint against the police. However, there was no confirmation from the police whether such FIRs were lodged or not," according to PTI.

Talking about the latest developments Supriyo said, "As a public representative, I have every right to visit my constituency, especially when people are in trouble. It is my duty. But the police is saying I won't be allowed to go as Section 144 is imposed in the area. Being a minister, I cannot violate rules".

State BJP Mahila Morcha president Locket Chatterjee has also been barred from visiting the violence affected areas on Friday. In protest, the actor turned politician staged a sit-in.

Later in the day, Home Minister Rajnath Singh called Supriyo to enquire about the cuurent situation prevailing in the place. The BJP leader has informed Singh and Prime Minister Narendra Modi about the incident.

Also Read | Babul Supriyo calls for temporary ban on Pakistani artistes

Though there have been no fresh news of violence, Section 144 is till imposed in Asansol. The internet services were also suspended following the clashes between two groups on Sunday and Monday over a Ram Navami rally at Raniganj.

Clashes during #RamNavami: Section 144 still imposed, internet services continue to be suspended in #Asansol. #WestBengal

— ANI (@ANI) March 30, 2018

State Parliamentary Affairs Minister Partha Chatterjee alleged that the BJP was trying to destroy communal peace and harmony in the state.

One person was killed and two police officers were injured in the violence that erupted on Sunday and Monday.

Senior IPS officers Jawed Shamim, Siddhinath Gupta and Vineet Goyal have been deputed on special duty to bring the situation under control.

Governor K N Tripathi has also been advised not to visit Durgapur to see a police officer injured in the violence in Raniganj in view of deployment of police in the area, an official release said on Thursday.

Also Read | Babul Supriyo: 'Hurl eggs at me, will make omelette and eat as I am a non-vegetarian'

Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Friday held a high-level meeting at the secretariat after her return from Delhi. Chief secretary, home secretary, DGP and ADGP (law and order) were present at the meeting.

However, she did not comment on the situation at Asansol-Raniganj.

(With PTI inputs)