Proximity of culprits to TMC stopped police from acting: CPM

CPI(M) today alleged that the proximity of culprits to the ruling Trinamool Congress has stopped police from taking prompt action in the mowing down incident of an airman during the Republic Day parade rehearsals here two days ago.
"On every January 26 due to Republic Day celebrations, there are red alerts all over the country. And after the attack at Pathankot, there is a high alert across the country.
"There was an alert (sounded) in Fort William area also, where the parade rehearsals are taking place. So, how come a person, after crushing an airman can just escape, when the police were present and guarding the premises? CPI(M) politburo member Salim asked.

Salim's comments came after the Kolkata Police yesterday issued a look out notice against Ambia Sohrab, Sambia Sohrab and their father, former RJD MLA Mohammed Sohrab, who are absconding after a speeding Audi car reportedly belonging to the former MLA's son tore through the barricades at the spot and hit the airman.
"It is due to police inaction that the culprits escaped and it is due to their affiliation to the ruling party that the police didn't act on time. The police has lost its independence and integrity under the TMC rule and that is why they wait for orders from their political masters in the TMC before carrying out even normal service procedures," Salim alleged.

He recalled the incident of the killing of a Sub-Inspector of Kolkata Police in February 2013 by goons owing allegiance to a TMC leader of the Kolkata Port area.

"How will the police take action? When the then Police Commissioner (RK Pachnanda) decided to take action, he was shunted out. No police officer will take action on their own until and unless their political masters give orders," the CPI(M) leader said.
A 22-member team was set up by the CP yesterday to speed up the probe into the mishap in which 21-year-old Corporal Abhimanyu Gaud was hit and killed by the brand new Audi.

The car dragged Gaud more than 20 m after hitting him and he died due to excessive blood loss.
Meanwhile, the forensic report of the car suggested it was travelling at high speed of around 90-110 km per hour when it barged through the guard rails and hit the airman.