CPI-M leader's widow sues Mukul Roy for defamation

The widow of slain former Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) legislator Dilip Sarkar Monday filed a case of defamation in a West Bengal court against Trinamool Congress general secretary Mukul Roy.

Shefali alleged that Roy made slanderous remarks against her late husband.

Sarkar was shot dead June 9 in Burdwan district, following which his party leaders alleged that the ruling Trinamool was behind the killing.

Rubbishing the allegations, Roy said Sarkar was "involved in illegal acts and a case of human trafficking had been registered earlier against him". Roy attributed his killing to the CPI-M's internal feud.

"Roy had made defamatory remarks against my husband which tarnished his image. So I have filed a case against him," Shefali said in her complaint.

Her counsel Amitabh Mukherjee said they have sought compensation as well as strict punishment for Roy.

"We have not only pleaded for exemplary punishment for Roy for making such baseless remarks but also sought monetary compensation," said Mukherjee, who filed the case before a sub-divisional court in Asansol city, 275 km from here.