Mamata Banerjee Alleges 'Kidnapping' by Delhi Police; Holds Dharna
West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee holds dharna at Dwarka North PS after alleging she and five MPs were driven in a prison van for two hours.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has launched a fierce protest in the national capital, alleging that she and five Members of Parliament were "kidnapped" and detained by the Delhi Police on Saturday. The TMC leader has initiated a dharna at the Dwarka North Police Station, claiming the group was driven around in a prison van for two hours despite complying with all police instructions.
'Driven in a Prison Van'
In a series of explosive allegations, Banerjee stated that her group was intercepted while attempting to proceed to Jantar Mantar. She claimed that even after following orders to remove banners and sit near a bus stop, the police moved to detain them.
"We were kidnapped and driven around in a prison van for two hours," Banerjee said in a self-recorded video. "I have never used this prison van; it is for the criminals and the wanted people, or unwanted people."
Details of the Detention
The Chief Minister identified her accompanying MPs as Derek O'Brien, Pratima Mondal, Dola Sen, Saket, and Shyamal Islam. She expressed outrage that the group was picked up despite having violated no laws. Banerjee noted that the group was simply sitting near a bus stop when the police intervened, citing restrictions on sitting at the bus stop and the presence of banners.
Dharna at Dwarka North PS
The protest at the Dwarka North Police Station has taken a dramatic turn, with Banerjee announcing that she and her colleagues will refuse to drink water during the sit-in. The group has indicated they are prepared to continue the dharna for up to 48 or 72 hours.
"We have started a dharna from here. Until and unless our kidnapping time ends, we have started a dharna," she declared.
Criticism of the Centre and "Masterminds"
While Banerjee stated she does not hold the police directly responsible, she accused them of acting under the directions of "masterminds" within the central government. She criticized the current administration for what she described as increasing atrocities against students, farmers, and women.
"I don't blame the police. They are following the guidelines of the mastermind. But I don't know why they became so arrogant, too proud," she said, making a reference to the auspicious occasion of Mahalaya.
Plans for Monday March
The incident has altered Banerjee's schedule. Originally planning to return to Kolkata on Saturday night, she has decided to remain in Delhi to continue her protest. She also confirmed her intention to join the INDIA bloc march on Monday, October 12, to protest against recent developments affecting the youth in India.