Kolkata: In West Bengal, a 23-year-old student named Sagnik Laha has been arrested for making critical comments about Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on social media. The criticism came in response to a high-profile rape and murder case involving a junior female doctor at a Medical College and Hospital.

Sagnik Laha, a polytechnic student, faced arrest after posting derogatory remarks about Mamata Banerjee on social media. The police claim that Laha used offensive language against the Chief Minister, which led to a complaint being filed by supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC). Following the complaint, Laha was apprehended by the police from Alipurduar Junction on the night of August 16. His arrest has been criticized as a crackdown on free speech, as it follows an increase in scrutiny and criticism of the government's handling of crime in the state.

Laha's lawyer, Deepshikha Roy, stated that her client is facing charges under sections 79, 294, and 296A of the Indian Penal Code, as well as section 67A of the Information Technology Act. These charges include the use of offensive language and defamation. Laha appeared in court on August 17, where the Chief Judicial Magistrate ordered him to be held in judicial custody for 14 days.

Roy explained that one of the charges is non-bailable, resulting in Laha’s bail being denied. He will remain in custody until August 31. Laha has expressed his gratitude to his family for their support during this time, stating that he is trying to cope with the situation with their help.

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