Kolkata: FIR lodged against Imam Barkati for not removing red beacon from his vehicle

According to reports, a local resident, Suraj Kumar Singh, lodged the FIR against Barkati at Topsia Police Station in Kolkata on Friday.  

Local media reports said that Imam Barkati is still using 'lal batti' (red beacon) on his SUV when Central government's ban on red beacon has come into effect since May 1.

Days ago when Barkati was asked about this, he told local reporters that he won't remove red beacon as Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee has given him permission to use it as he is a religious leader.

"West Bengal CM Mamata Banerjee gave me permission to use red beacon on my car and it's a heritage practice as erstwhile British government gave permission to my ancestors to use lal batti," Barkati said.

"I won't accept Central government's ban on lal batti," he added.

Meanwhile, demanding Barkati's arrest, BJP's youth wing on Friday staged demonstration in central Kolkata's M.G. Road area and the party has called for a rally to city police headquarters at Lalbazar on May 25 on the same issue.

Barkati on Friday called a press conference again and claimed that nobody could arrest him.

"I would only remove red beacon from my car when Prime Minister Narendra Modi will give up his all securities," Barkati said.

Barkati also blamed the media for showing up his red beacon issue.

(Reporting by Deepayan Sinha)