Murshidabad: JUP chief Humayun Kabir's son arrested for alleged assault on police constable; MLA claims political vendetta

Golam Nabi Azad, son of Janata Unnayan Party (JUP) chief Humayun Kabir, was arrested on Sunday after he allegedly assaulted a police officer posted at his family residence in Murshidabad district, police said.A senior police officer told PTI that Azad, also known as Sohel, was taken into custody after constable Jumma Khan lodged a complaint with Shaktipur police station. Khan had alleged that the MLA's son assaulted him on Sunday morning when he applied for a few days’ leave."On the basis of the complaint, the accused has been arrested for questioning. The matter is being investigated and necessary legal action will be taken," the officer said.Kabir, who floated the JUP after being suspended from the TMC, claimed police had cordoned off his residence following the incident. He was away at the time on personal work."My son objected to the entry of a policeman inside my house today and this angered the law enforcers who levelled false allegations against my son, accusing him of misbehaviour," Kabir told reporters in Berhampore.The MLA alleged the police action was politically motivated at the behest of the TMC. "A police force cannot cordon the house of an elected representative under flimsy pretext," he said. He also announced plans to gherao the SP’s office in Murshidabad on January 1 in protest and demanded explanations from senior police and administration officials.Kabir insisted his son was arrested "in an illegal manner under false charges" and demanded his immediate release.TMC spokesperson Arup Chakraborty was quoted by PTI saying Azad had committed a cognisable offence by raising a hand on a policeman. "Police have taken action as per the law. The party has nothing to do with it," he added.