Protest in Bengal's Bhangar to demand Maoist leader's release

Protesting against the arrest of CPI-ML Red Star leader Alik Chakraborty, the leader of the anti-power grid movement at Bhangar in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district, hundreds of locals and activists rallied in the villages here on Friday.

The rallies were taken out by the 'Jomi, Jibika, Bastutantra O Poribesh Raksha Committee (Committee for protecting land, livelihood, ecology and environment)' that has been spearheading the movement against a proposed power grid sub-station in the region, for the last one year.

The protesters blocked roads and held protest demonstrations in Khamarait, Tona, Machibhanga and Bokdoba villages here, demanding immediate and unconditional release of Chakraborty.

"This is a spontaneous protest by the villagers. We demand his release from police custody immediately. Also the fake cases lodged against him should be withdrawn," said CPI-ML Red Star leader Sarmistha Chowdhury, who is also associated with movement.

Chakraborty was arrested on Thursday from outside a private hospital in Odisha's Bhubaneswar in joint operation by Odisha and West Bengal Police.

Police have booked Chakraborty under the provisions of the Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act among other charges and said he would be brought to Bengal from Odisha in transit remand.

--IANS

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