CPI(M) MLA Sushanta Ghosh given a hero’s welcome by his party leaders and cadres on Tuesday when he was released from the Alipore Central Correctional Home, four days after the Supreme Court granted him an interim bail in the Benachpara skeleton recovery case. Buoyed by his release, the CPI(M) is planning to present him on the stage at the Brigade Parade Ground rally scheduled for February 19.
In the morning, Mr Ghosh’s counsels obtained his release order issued by fourth additional and sessions judge of the Midnapore court Abhijit Shome against a bail bond of `40,000. They submitted it to the prison authorities in the afternoon. Leader of Opposition Surjyakanta Mishra went to the prison and spoke to Mr Ghosh. Senior party leaders, including Rabin Deb and Amitava Nandy were also present.
At around 2.30 pm, Mr Ghosh walked out of the main building of the prison smiling. Hundreds of CPI(M), DYFI and SFI workers, holding their party flags and placards, erupted in joy and greeted Mr Ghosh with a bouquet of 181 red roses to mark his release after 181 days following his arrest in the sensational case.
In the crowd of jubilant supporters was his wife Karuna who appeared relieved. “I will reveal all at the right time. You can feel the reaction from the presence of these thousands of people here,” Mr Ghosh said after getting into a Tata Sumo.
Emotional party workers raised slogans: “Comrade Sushanta Ghosh Lal Selam...Mukhyomontri Hai Hai.” Mr Ghosh was taken to the MLA Hostel on Kyd Street in a convoy of cars which appeared like a victory rally. On the way, he passed through the crossing of Harish Chatterjee Street in Kalighat where the chief minister resides. He may go to his ancestral village in West Midnapore on Wednesday.
Trying to play down the grand reception, Mr Deb said: “What reception? So many leaders including myself were there just to receive him. People brought flowers to make him feel happy,” he argued.
Asked of his plan, Mr Ghosh said: “I will not comment anything more as I have not decided my programme. Let me discuss all the issues with my party leadership and legal experts and take their advice first.