Date:04/07/2009 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2009/07/04/stories/2009070461041800.htm

National

Medha held on way to Lalgarh, released on bail

Raktima Bose

LALGARH (PASCHIM MEDINIPUR DISTRICT): Social activist Medha Patkar and 13 others were arrested by the West Bengal State police at Debra, 35 km from Midnapore, on Friday while they were on their way to Lalgarh.

They were placed under preventive detention under Section 151 of the Cr.PC but later released on personal bonds.

Ms. Patkar and the others in the group, which included documentary film-maker Gopal Menon, were stopped by the police at a toll plaza on National Highway 6.

The 14-member-group squatted on the highway and started protesting against the arrest, stating that it was “unlawful” since Section 144 was imposed only in Lalgarh.

Soon supporters of the Trinamool Congress and the Congress arrived at the spot and started demonstrating against the arrests.

Traffic held up

Traffic was held up on the highway for more than three hours. A huge contingent of police, led by Additional Commissioner (Kharagpur) Pranav Kumar arrived at the spot and a scuffle ensued when Mr. Kumar ordered lathi-charge to disperse the mob.

Mr. Menon and many other protesters were seriously injured. A few policemen, including Mr. Kumar, were also injured.

“Shameful incident”

“It is a shameful incident in a democratic country where responsible citizens are forcibly arrested by the police and beaten up. We had not broken any law and Section 144 was not imposed at Debra,” Ms. Patkar said.