Kolkata: In a bid to expand its movement over the NEET examination paper leak and other issues beyond New Delhi, the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP) has approached the Kolkata Police seeking permission to hold a rally in the city in solidarity with activist Sonam Wangchuk’s ongoing hunger strike. 

Sources in the city police said the first email was sent to the Joint Commissioner (Headquarters) and Joint Commissioner (Crime) of Kolkata on July 19 seeking permission to hold the rally from College Street in North Kolkata to Rani Rashmoni Road in Central Kolkata on July 22 from 4 p.m. onwards. The email was reportedly sent by Dedipyo Gangopadhyay

Police officials subsequently denied permission for the proposed July 22 rally

Sources said a second email was later received at the same police email addresses, seeking permission for a rally along the same route on July 24. The sender was again identified as Gangopadhyay. Following the second communication, Kolkata Police initiated inquiries into the sender, who has claimed to be an active member of the CJP. 

The development assumes significance as former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, while addressing the Trinamool Congress’ annual Martyrs’ Day rally on July 21, announced her intention to travel to New Delhi to extend support to the CJP-led agitation over the NEET paper leak and related issues. According to police sources, the second email seeking permission for the Kolkata rally was sent on the same day. 

Speaking to the media on Thursday, Gangopadhyay confirmed that he had sent the emails seeking permission for the rally. He said that no approval had yet been received from the police.

“We have invited students, youth and members of civil society to participate in the rally. However, those allegedly involved in the cash-for-school job recruitment scam or other education-related irregularities in West Bengal have been requested to stay away,” he said.

Asked whether the rally would proceed if permission was denied, Gangopadhyay said no decision had been taken on that aspect so far.

Meanwhile, Kolkata Police said it would take necessary precautionary measures in view of the possibility that the rally could be held without official approval.