Chhatradhar refuses to give handwriting sample

Tribal leader Chhatradhar Mahato [ Images ] has refused to give a sample of his handwriting to a local court in Midnapore.

The People's Committee against Police Atrocities leader was produced before the court of assistant chief judicial magistrate, Jhargram, Mohammed Rezzak who wanted his handwriting for examination by the authorities. When the judge asked him whether he knew how to write, Mahato said he could.

Counsel for the CID said that his handwriting was needed to tally with letters seized from his house in Lalgarh. Mahato was arrested on September 26 near Lalgarh by policemen posing as journalists. He has been booked under the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act and several sections under the IPC.

The court also remanded PCPA treasurer Sukhshanti Baskey in police custody till October 30. Baskey has been charged under several sections of IPC including waging war against the state.