Kolkata: More than five months after graffiti on SC Mullick Road called for an “armed rebellion”, the police arrested the artist, Chayan Sen (40), residing in Burtolla. The accused was also charged under the newly introduced stringent BNS section 152, which can attract a minimum punishment of seven years and a maximum punishment of a life term if convicted.
The FIR was drawn up on Sept 9 after the graffiti gave a clarion call for armed rebellion against the state. The slogan was written near Jadavpur 8B bus stand, next to JU gates, during the Reclaim the Night protests.
Sources said Sen was summoned to Jadavpur PS on Wednesday evening and was arrested a few hours later following several rounds of questioning. He was forwarded to Alipore Court, where cops sought police remand.
Sources at Lalbazar are also checking Sen’s political affiliations and possible links with underground organisations. “Sen was arrested on Wednesday night by Jadavpur PS. During a Reclaim the Night protest near 8B bus stand, a street graffiti was made with an anti-national slogan. Analysing tower dumps, we finally identified a few persons, including Sen,” said Bidisha Kalita, DC (SSD-Jadavpur). Authorities filed a suo motu case after discovering the contentious street art, said cops.
The “Reclaim the Night” campaign emerged as a response to the rape and murder of a PGT doctor at RG Kar Hospital.
Several JU students questioned the timing of the arrest. “This appears to be an attempt to suppress legitimate protest at JU through intimidation. Sen drew what he was asked to. That is his profession,” said Hedua resident Saptik Roy, a JU student and an acquaintance of the accused. However, cops said, “We must distinguish between peaceful protest and activities that can threaten national security.”
Legal experts said this case could set a precedent for how authorities handle protest-related graffiti and the use of digital surveillance in identifying suspects.
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