5-day judicial custody for Hindu Samhati chief, others

Hindu Samhati chief Tapan Ghosh and three activists, arrested on charge of attacking media persons at an event in the city, were on Saturday remanded in five-day judicial custody by a Sessions court, police said.

The four were charged with attempt to murder (Section 307) of the Indian Penal Code, causing grievous hurt (Section 326) and causing damage to property (Section 427).

The were in police custody from February 15 to 17.

"The four were presented in the Sessions court, which remanded them in judicial custody till February 22, the next date for hearing," a senior Kolkata Police officer said.

The four were arrested on February 14 for allegedly assaulting journalists at an event of the organisation's 10th foundation day at the Esplanade after they tried to talk to members of a Muslim family who allegedly converted to Hinduism.

Several Hindu Samhati activists stopped the reporters and camera persons from interacting with the family, which was present at the event. Some allegedly manhandled the media persons and tried to snatch away their cameras.

Formed in 2008, the Hindu Samhati website describes itself as an NGO that is the "icon of hope to the Hindus in West Bengal". - IANS