BJP candidate served notice to appear before police

Expressing dismay, Supriyo accused the Trinamool of trying to derail his political campaign by implicating him in false cases.

"It's utterly ridiculous how far these people can go ... One after another cases are being filed against me. Ironically, it was me and my bodyguard who were assaulted and I was the first to file the FIR against them," Supriyo told IANS.

Following Supriyo's complaint, the Election Commission had sought a report from the district administration about the alleged assault.

The singer, who was earlier accused of hurting religious sentiments by allegedly entering a temple "drunk", is preparing to file defamation cases against the complainants seeking Rs.2 crore in damages.

Both the BJP and the CPI-M have condemned the development.

"It is highly condemnable to see how the ruling party, wary of defeat, is using the police and administration to serve its own ends," BJP leader Tathagata Roy said.

"It is alarming to see how the police have become a tool of oppression in the hands of the Trinamool," said CPI-M leader Sujon Chakraborty.