A week before the arrest of Jadavpur University chemistry professor Ambikesh Mahapatra for his alleged cyber infringements, a molecular biologist had been put behind bars for taking part in an anti-eviction drive.
He is still in jail.Partha Sarathi Roy, who is working as assistant professor at the Indian Institute of Science Education and Research at Kalyani in Nadia, was arrested with 68 others on April 8 for their alleged involvement in a clash with the police during a rally on April 4.
Even though 62 of the persons arrested were released, Roy, along with six others, was sent to police custody.
The arrest has raised international concern as renowned intellectuals such as Noam Chomsky and a dozen other scientists and public figures have requested PM Manmohan Singh to release him.
The anti-eviction movement, in a place called Nonadanga in Kolkata, started after the state government demolished some shanties on March 30.
{{/usCountry}}The anti-eviction movement, in a place called Nonadanga in Kolkata, started after the state government demolished some shanties on March 30.
{{/usCountry}}With the participation and guidance of some activists from the Mazdoor Kranti Parishad, a leftist trade union, and members of various mass organisations, those evicted took out a protest rally on April 4. Roy participated in the protest.
The scientists who have written to the Prime Minister have also expressed concern at the treatment meted out to Roy in custody.