KOLKATA: In an unprecedented development, a number of CBI officers, who had gone to question Kolkata Police chief Rajeev Kumar in connection with chit fund scam cases, were bundled into police jeeps, whisked to a police station and detained, officials said.
Amidst escalating tension between West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Centre, Loudon Street in central Kolkata witnessed a virtual showdown between the State police and the CBI.
There were conflicting reports about some CBI officers being arrested.
While the agency sources claimed that some of its men were forcibly taken away from Kumar’s Loudon Street residence and arrested, a senior police officer denied the claim and said they have been taken to the police station to check if they had done required documents to question Kumar.
As politics played out on the street, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee rushed to the spot. She had earlier extended her support to Kumar and alleged that the BJP was “misusing power to take control of the police and all other institutions”.
Party spokesperson Derek O’ Brien tweeted, “BJP planning a constitutional coup ? 40 CBI officials surround Kolkata Police Commissioner’s home. Destruction of institutions goes on unabated. Our demand in #Parliament on Mon. Modi has to go. We are reaching out and sharing this with all Oppn parties who want to #SaveDemocracy.” (AGENCIES)