KOLKATA: The hearing in the case of attempt to murder of then Congress leader Mamata Banerjee on August 16, 1990, is set to begin at Alipore Court from February 6 onwards.
However, while Mamata Banerjee’s lawyer Shyamdas Gangopadhyay demanded the hearing to be conducted through video conferencing citing security reasons, defence attorney Ganesh Maity said he wanted witnesses to be physically present so that he can question them and submit important documents related to the case.
On August 16, 1990, prime accused CPM youth wing leader Lalu Alam had hit Mamata Banerjee’s head with a stick during a rally at Hazra Crossing in Kolkata. The impact had fractured Banerjee’s skull and she fought for her life at the hospital for over one month.
While cases were booked against ten accused, all nine, except Lalu Alam, went absconding. Police completed the investigation and submitted the charge sheet at Alipore Court while issuing arrest warrants against the absconders.
The statement of Mamata Banerjee and the witnesses were recorded but the case progressed slowly with the court announcing a slew of dates for hearing. It was alleged that the Left Front government did not want a speedy trial in the case.
Interestingly, as soon as Mamata Banerjee overturned the 34-year-rule of Left Front in 2011, then 54-year-old Alam met her and apologised for his action stating that he was forced by CPM to attack her. However, Banerjee refused to pardon him and pursued with the case.