Tripura police have succeeded to retrieve a lot of confidential details hidden in the electronic gadgets seized from West Bengal during the arrest of self-styled journalist Saikat Talapatra. The money trail involved in the “extortion racket” he use to run under the guise of social media channel, special public prosecutor Samrat Kar Bhowmik has said.
Speaking on the issue, Bhowmik said, “He is accused with allegations of running scandalous stories in his social media channel and ask for money in lieu of that. Unfortunately name of an advocate also propped in the case. Advocate Raghunath Mukherjee who is name in one of the FIRs filed against Talapatra has appealed for anticipatory bail and interim protection so that he remains immune to arrest till the hearing on his anticipatory bail petition is heard”.
According to Bhowmik, Additional Session Judge has fixed the hearing for the anticipatory bail application on October 18 next but did not entertain the prayer for interim protection. “If the police feel necessary, advocate Mukherjee could be arrested”, he explained.
Meanwhile, Talapatra who is facing charges of multiple IPC sections was produced before the additional session judge West Tripura and Chief Judicial Magistrate once again followed by the completion of his police remand.
“In completion of police remand, the police prayed for jail custody of the accused as it felt that he could influence the process of investigation if he steps out of the jail. The Court has granted the prayer and sent him to jail custody till October 27 next”, the public prosecutor said.
In connection with a separate case registered West Agartala Women Police station based on the complaint of one Puja Roy, the Chief Judicial Magistrate had awarded him police remand for another five days. “According to the orders, the accused will stay in police remand till October 20 and after that he will be shifted to jail custody till October 27. He will be again produced before the Court on that date”, said the lawyer.
