Battle of Nandigram: CPM MP Laxman Seth abuses CRPF DIG over Phone

The CPI-M MP Laxman Seth finds himself in the dock over the abuse meted out to CRPF DIG Alok Raj over mobile phone at Nandigram. Even as the Panchayat polls in Nandigram was hit by violence and rigging, Laxman Seth was heard arguing with Alok Raj and asking him to confine himself to the camp. Mr. Seth abused the CRPF DIG of acting out of his jurisdiction. The entire conversation occurred before the media, as the DIG kept the speaker phone of his mobile on.

In order to avenge the embarrassment and trap the DIG, CMI-M activists later filed a fake FIR against Mr. Alok Raj. They alleged that Alok Raj had molested a few women in the area. However, East Midnapore police superintendent S S Panda ruled out any such incident. People in that area also denied the charge against Mr. Alok Raj.

Meanwhile, Mr. Laxman Seth was unapologetic for his behaviour. He admitted of calling up the CRPF DIG, as according to him, CRPF was not supposed to monitor the Panchayat poll in Nandigram. "I told him he has no right to move freely across Nandigram without local police and magistrate", said Seth. Mr. Alok Raj expressed surprise and shock over the FIR and demanded an independent probe into the incident.

Mr. Raj also vowed to take the battle to court, if necessary. The State Election Commissioner also backed Alok Raj, saying a MP cannot dictate his terms with a senior police officer, who is on poll duty.