Opposition Leader Subhendu Adhikari Demands Arrest of Tanmoy Bhattacharya Over Alleged Assault of Female Journalist, Calls for Independent Inquiry

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, October 29, 2024, Kolkata: In a fiery statement on Tuesday, West Bengal's opposition leader Subhendu Adhikari called for the immediate arrest of Tanmoy Bhattacharya, following allegations of sexual assault involving a female journalist. Adhikari raised questions about the government's apparent hesitation to take decisive action against Bhattacharya, asserting that political motivations are shielding the accused. His comments reflect intensifying political tensions, with Adhikari urging the Trinamool Congress to hand the case over to an impartial investigative body.

Adhikari did not hold back, stating, "If there is merit to these accusations, Tanmoy Bhattacharya should be arrested, interrogated, and held accountable in front of the complainant. And if the allegations are proven false, let the law absolve him. But the government must let the process run its course without interference." Adhikari further criticized Trinamool’s alleged attempt to minimize the incident, suggesting that the ruling party was more focused on deflecting public attention than addressing the core issue. "It seems the Trinamool is more invested in erasing the stain of the Jaynagar incident than in ensuring justice," he remarked.

The incident has become a flashpoint in state politics, with opposition leaders questioning why the Trinamool government has not allowed police action in the case, despite what Adhikari claims is sufficient evidence to warrant an arrest. His appeal goes beyond mere rhetoric, calling for either an independent investigation by a neutral body or, alternatively, a special investigative team led by an impartial senior female IPS officer from West Bengal.

Adhikari also expressed dissatisfaction over the Trinamool’s recent public marches in the aftermath of the allegations. "Why is the Trinamool taking to the streets if they truly believe in justice? If Tanmoy Bhattacharya is guilty, the police should take action. The public deserves answers, not distractions,” he stated. This has led to a broader discussion on the role of political power in legal proceedings, with Adhikari accusing the government of undermining the judicial process and wielding undue influence over the police.

The opposition leader’s remarks come amid growing unrest over a string of high-profile cases, with critics suggesting that political affiliations often determine the level of scrutiny and action taken. As the situation unfolds, Adhikari's call for transparency and justice has resonated with segments of the public who are also demanding accountability and impartiality in handling the allegations.

As the allegations against Bhattacharya continue to spark debate, Adhikari’s call for either an independent investigation or oversight by a senior, impartial police official underscores the need for a robust judicial response. His remarks reflect a demand for integrity in addressing sensitive cases, where political allegiances should be secondary to justice and transparency. The coming days are expected to bring further developments, as Adhikari and the opposition keep up their pressure on the state government to act.