Trooper detained on charges of snatching in West Bengal

KOLKATA - A security force trooper was detained by the Trinamool Congress leaders in West Bengal’s West Midnapore district Wednesday on charges of snatching mobile phones and cash from local people, police said.

Locals alleged that Anil Kumar, a jawan of 205 battalion of the Combat Battalion for Resolute Action (CoBRA) and two other jawans allegedly snatched mobile phones and cash from people, who were standing in front of a restaurant in Jhargram.

The jawans went there to take food and while coming out from the restaurant, threatened the villagers and snatched away their belongings.

The villagers soon informed the others who in turn chased the jawans and managed to catch Anil Kumar. He was later taken to nearby Trinamool Congress party office and detained there. He was later rescued by the police.

A police officer said: “Anil Kumar told people that neither he nor his colleagues have snatched any mobile phone or cash. But he was harassed even after he repeatedly urged them to free him.”

“Anil Kumar himself informed the commandant of his battalion, who in turn informed us,” said the officer.

“Later Anil was brought to the Jhargram police station. An investigation has been initiated and he was released later in the evening,” said the officer.

Trinamool Congress district secretary and leader from Jhargram Gora Pradhan said: “Anil Kumar was taken to party office to protect him from the irate mob.”

Meanwhile, agitated local people have demanded stern action against Anil Kumar.