Anubrata Mondal, the Birbhum district chief of the Trinamul Congress, on Wednesday moved Calcutta High Court for anticipatory bail apprehending arrest by the CBI in connection with a murder following the publication of Assembly poll results on May 2 last year.

Mondal also sought quashing of the summons issued to him by the CBI for his interrogation in the case related to the murder of Gourab Sarkar, 28, a resident of Gopalnagar village near Birbhum’s Illambazar. After the CBI took over the case, it has arrested 25 persons, including Trinamul workers. The CBI had earlier interrogated senior Trinamul leaders of Illambazar and pasted a notice at the local office of the ruling party mentioning the names of the accused who were absconding.

Moving the bail plea, Mandal’s lawyer requested Justice Rajasekhar Mantha to hear the case urgently. The court accordingly fixed the hearing at 10.30am on Thursday.
Hours after the plea was moved, Mondal complained of breathing trouble and a few health issues. He went to SSKM Hospital in Calcutta, where he was checked by a team of doctors.

“Kestoda (as Mondal is called fondly by his supporters) met the medical board following directions of chief minister Mamata Banerjee whom he met today (Wednesday). The doctors advised him to take rest. He will meet the medical board again after 15 days. He has been advised not to travel or indulge in stressful activities,” said an aide.