Toongate professor declared absconding, takes anticipatory bail

Jadavpur university professor Ambikesh Mahapatra, who was earlier arrested for circulating a photo spoof on West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, Friday took anticipatory bail after police declared him absconding in another case.

The chemistry professor had to get bail after a city court issued a warrant against him in a case that was filed following his participation in an event Dec 3, 2014.

"Addressing the event on World Disabled Day, I had highlighted about the government apathy towards the disabled. Later on, I came to know that police have filed a case against me on various charges including participating in law violation movement," Mahapatra said.

"Police Jan 29 filed a charge sheet before the court saying I was absconding. The court then issued a warrant against me, so I had to take anticipatory bail. The administration is targeting me only because I have been vocal against it," he said.

The professor, along with a neighbour, was arrested in 2012 for circulating emails mocking Banerjee and former railway minister Mukul Roy.

He has since been vocal against the Banerjee administration and is now a member of Aakranta Amara (We the Victims) - a forum of victims of human rights abuse in the state.