It all started in the morning when Nandigram OC Debashish Chakrabarti alleged that Raj had molested two women from Sonachura. “I have a written complaint of the women. We will investigate the matter and take action,” said Chakraborti.

He alleged, “The CRPF personnel attacked us when we intervened to save the women, who were CPM workers, in Garupara from being harassed. I have sustained injuries on my head and right arm.”

Raj, however, denied the allegations. “The charges are fabricated and baseless. I don’t have the time to get involved in these stupid things. I have not seen the written complaint. The party (CPM) is trying to make our forces powerless,” he said. “Let there be an inquiry by an independent body. I may also approach the court for defamation,” he added.

Raj accused the police of heckling the women members of the CRPF’s patrol team. According to him, an eight-member team of women constables were patrolling in Adhikaripara when a contingent of police led by Chakrabarti, RAF and other police personnel confronted them.

“They asked them to retreat. When they refused to comply, they were heckled, assaulted, abused and beaten up. We are going to lodge an official complaint,” he said.

Constables Sunita Pandurani and Dimple Sharma were injured and the latter was admitted to Nandigram General Hospital.

Earlier in the day, Raj was allegedly abused by Haldia MP Seth.

“Around 9.30 am, he asked me to stop patrolling outside my camp and ordered me to return. The incident took place in the presence of all my subordinates and mediapersons. I will lodge an official complaint regarding this,” said Raj.

Seth, however, claimed: “ Raj is taking the law in his own hands. He should stay within his area and not interfere in the work of the state administration. He is favouring the Oppostion and threatening our party members. He has even molested our women comrades.”