Nandigram bypoll: Congress candidate Milan Pradhan moves Calcutta HC seeking protection in six cases

Kolkata: Congress Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan on Monday moved the Calcutta High Court, seeking protection against coercive action in six cases registered against him. The matter is likely to be heard on Tuesday.

"We, on behalf of Milan Pradhan, have filed a writ petition seeking protection in six cases pending, as well as in all cases we are not aware of, till elections, and disclosure of any further warrants pending. The matter will be heard tomorrow before justice Saugata Bhattacharya," Pradhan's advocate Ajitesh Pandey said.

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Pradhan was arrested on Friday in connection with five cases, four under Nandigram Police Station and one under Khejuri Police Station, and was produced before a court in connection with four cases on Saturday. His production in connection with the Khejuri case remains pending, the advocate said.

Pradhan has been remanded to judicial custody till October 3, 2026, following his arrest on Friday in connection with five pending non-bailable warrants issued by courts. He was arrested for his alleged involvement in at least four cases related to rioting, murder and criminal intimidation that were filed during the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement under Nandigram Police Station and one in Khejuri.

"The political fight in the land of Nandigram will continue. In jail, Pradhan is the most popular leader of Nandigram, and he is a reason for fear for BJP. Everywhere, from tea stalls to other places, he is being discussed. So, BJP is scared," West Bengal Congress president Subhankar Sarkar said.

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"Our legal battle will certainly proceed. As for the political battle, it will play out on the soil of Nandigram. Pradhan, the Congress candidate, used to campaign by reaching out to everyone personally... Pradhan, from inside jail, is currently the most prominent leader in Nandigram. Pradhan and the Congress party's 'Hand' symbol are at the forefront of the public's mind. BJP is afraid now," he added.

Pradhan was arrested just hours after Mamata Banerjee on September 18 announced that her faction of Trinamool Congress would support the Congress candidate in Nandigram, after its nominee Sanchita Pradhan De withdrew from the contest.