This story is from December 18, 2014

NRS arrest: TMC man asks cops for evidence

The arrest of the first year medical student in the NRS hostel lynching case did not come easy. Investigators have been facing hurdles since the probe was ordered. Minutes after Jasimuddin’s arrest, senior Lalbazar officers reportedly got phone calls from a politician from the ruling party, asking for the evidence based on which the arrest had been made.
NRS arrest: TMC man asks cops for evidence
KOLKATA/MALDA: The arrest of the first year medical student in the NRS hostel lynching case did not come easy. Investigators have been facing hurdles since the probe was ordered. Minutes after Jasimuddin’s arrest, senior Lalbazar officers reportedly got phone calls from a politician from the ruling party, asking for the evidence based on which the arrest had been made.

The uproar at Sealdah court against the arrest on Wednesday was a manifestation of the hands working to prevent further arrests, said a police source.
“We started questioning Jasimuddin only after all his exams were over. Yet, we have come to know that he, along with several other students residing at NRS hostel, has contacted several influential people, including lawyers and politicians, trying to ensure that they are not implicated. The manner in which all of them are speaking in one voice shows that a lot of effort had got in ensuring that we have to toil harder for clues,” said a source. Another police officer pointed out that the team is not leaving anything to chance. “Our every step is backed by evidence. One has to be patient,” he said.
“We have reports on how students were in constant touch with an influential Trinamool leader since the day of the incident. Some senior officers have been receiving phone calls since the beginning of the probe,” said a source.
However, joint CP (crime) Pallab Kanti Ghosh denied they were under any pressure. “We followed all methods of investigations and arrested Jasimuddin. We could not have done so if there was any pressure,” said Ghosh.
Police are examining the statements made by Jasimuddin that have discrepancies. They are also tallying his version with those of other boarders and canteen staff. “We are considering all statements and may produce them in court under Section 161 of the Criminal Procedure Court. We are trying to question as many as possible to identify discrepancies in statements,” a police officer said. Investigators may now question even the NRS academic staff and mortuary workers for clues.
Meanwhile, Jasimuddin’s family and neighbours in Malda were not ready to believe that the otherwise reticent kid, who never even got involved in a brawl, could murder someone. They were still proud of their boy who has beaten all odds to be a doctor. When TOI contacted his parents, they echoed what the villagers had to say. “My son cannot kill anyone, it is all bogus. I talked to him and he said he was not involved in it,” his mother said.
End of Article
FOLLOW US ON SOCIAL MEDIA