PINKI HALDER Vs. STATE OF WEST BENGAL

JUDGEMENT

(1.) This is an application under Article 226 of the Constitution of India praying for a direction upon the respondent authorities to register an FIR on the complaint lodged by the petitioner and to ensure the safety and security of the writ petitioner by providing armed security guards in appropriate number.

(2.) Affidavit of service filed on behalf of the petitioner is taken on record. Learned counsel appearing on behalf of the petitioner submits as follows. The petitioner is a candidate for the Zilla Parishad from Diamond Harbour in the ensuing Panchayat Elections. On 25/6/2023, at around 8.30, when she was pursuing her household chores, some local anti-socials belonging to the ruling party broke into the house and threatened her. She was abducted, taken to another place, threatened with dire consequences and asked to campaign for the ruling party. She had no option, but to follow their dictat. She was coerced to make false statements before the media. Then, she was confined in her own house. She somehow extricated herself from the clutches of the miscreants and fled away in the night of 27/6/2023. She lodged a complaint with the Officer-in-Charge, Parulia Coastal Police Station by email as well as by registered post. But, no action has been taken on that.

(3.) Learned counsel representing the State submits as follows. After information was received by the police authorities, preliminary enquiry was started. Statements of witnesses are being recorded. It has not been pleaded in the petition that the petitioner wants to campaign in the Elections with the help of any security to be provided by the State.