Nandigram Congress Candidate Milan Pradhan Sent to Judicial Custody Till October 3

Congress's Nandigram bypoll candidate Milan Pradhan has been sent to judicial custody by a court in Haldia in connection with multiple cases dating back to the 2007 Nandigram land acquisition movement. The court ordered 14 days of judicial custody, taking the period up to October 3.

What the court ordered

Pradhan was produced before the Haldia Subdivisional Court after his arrest on September 18. According to police, the arrest followed four pending non-bailable warrants connected to cases registered in Nandigram and Khejuri. The allegations cited by police include murder, attempt to murder, abduction with intent to murder, disappearance of evidence, house trespass and rioting with weapons, along with provisions of the Arms Act.

The allegations remain matters before the courts and do not by themselves amount to a finding of guilt. Pradhan's lawyer has disputed the circumstances of the arrest and the handling of the old cases.

High Court plea and election schedule

The Calcutta High Court is scheduled to hear on September 22 Pradhan's application seeking protection from coercive action in five additional cases. His lawyer told the court that Pradhan is already in judicial custody in five other cases.

The Nandigram Assembly by-election is scheduled for October 6, while campaigning is due to end on October 4. Reports from the court proceedings indicate that the custody order significantly limits Pradhan's ability to campaign personally before polling.