Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee has received interim protection from coercive action for three weeks from the Calcutta High Court in connection with the alleged signature forgery case being investigated by the West Bengal CID. The relief comes amid an ongoing legal challenge by the senior party leader against repeated summons issued by investigators.

The case relates to allegations that signatures of several Trinamool Congress MLAs were forged on a party resolution submitted to the West Bengal Assembly during a leadership dispute. The complaint led to the registration of a case and a CID investigation, with the agency seeking to question Banerjee regarding the disputed document.

Court grants temporary relief

During the hearing, the court granted Banerjee protection from arrest and other coercive measures for three weeks while the matter remains under judicial consideration. The interim order provides temporary relief as the legal proceedings continue and the CID investigation moves forward.

Banerjee had approached the High Court challenging the CID summons and seeking protection from any adverse action. He had also requested additional time to appear before investigators, citing legal proceedings and other commitments.

CID probe and summons

The West Bengal CID has issued multiple notices to Banerjee in the alleged forgery case and has maintained that his statement is important for the investigation. Investigators have also questioned several MLAs and carried out searches linked to the probe.

According to investigators, the inquiry focuses on allegations that signatures appearing on a party communication submitted to the Assembly did not match those of some legislators. The authenticity of the document and related records remains under examination.

The matter is expected to return to court after the expiry of the interim protection period, while the CID investigation continues.

Fresh protests have broken out in Manipur after the bodies of six Naga civilians, who had been abducted nearly a month ago, were recovered in Kangpokpi district. The incident has intensified tensions in the state’s hill regions and triggered strong reactions from Naga organisations and community leaders.

The United Naga Council (UNC), the apex body representing Nagas in Manipur, condemned the killings and described the deaths as a grave violation of human rights. The organisation announced a 24-hour shutdown across Naga-inhabited areas and said it would not accept the bodies until its key demands are addressed.

According to the UNC, the six men were among a group of Naga civilians allegedly taken hostage on May 13 during heightened tensions between Naga and Kuki groups in the region. The council claimed the victims were recovered in a mutilated condition, further fuelling anger within the community.

Shutdown call and demands

The shutdown began on June 11 and is intended as a mark of protest and solidarity with the victims’ families. The UNC has demanded strict action against those responsible for the abductions and killings. It has also called for the arrest and prosecution of members of the Kuki National Front (President), or KNF(P), whom it accuses of involvement in the hostage-taking.

The organisation has additionally urged the Manipur government to review existing arrangements with armed groups operating in the state and take stronger measures to prevent further violence.

Government response

The Manipur government has strongly condemned the killings. Chief Minister Yumnam Khemchand Singh expressed condolences to the families of the victims and assured that those responsible would be brought to justice.

State authorities said investigations are underway and stressed that those involved in the crime would face legal action.

Background to the hostage crisis

The deaths mark a tragic development in a hostage crisis that has unfolded amid growing Naga-Kuki tensions in parts of Manipur. Security forces had been conducting search operations for weeks to trace abducted civilians from both communities. Earlier this week, 14 Kuki hostages were released, raising hopes of a breakthrough before the discovery of the six Naga bodies reignited tensions.

The incident is expected to further complicate efforts to restore peace in the state, where ethnic and community-related tensions have persisted in several districts.

The United States carried out a fresh round of military strikes against targets in southern Iran on June 11, marking the second consecutive day of American attacks on the country. According to the US military, the operation targeted multiple sites in response to what Washington described as continued Iranian aggression.

Reports from Iran indicated that explosions were heard in several locations near the strategic Strait of Hormuz, including Minab, Sirik, Bandar Abbas and Qeshm Island. Iranian media said the attacks occurred shortly after the United States acknowledged conducting new military operations in the region.

Iran launches retaliatory attacks

In response, Iran’s Revolutionary Guards claimed responsibility for attacks on American military facilities across the Gulf region. Iranian authorities said operations targeted US-linked sites in Bahrain, Kuwait and Jordan, describing them as retaliation for the latest American strikes.

Regional governments reported that air defence systems were activated to intercept incoming missiles and drones. Initial assessments from US officials suggested that most of the projectiles were intercepted and that there were no immediate reports of casualties among American personnel.

Strait of Hormuz dispute intensifies

Iran’s military leadership also announced that the Strait of Hormuz had been closed to vessel traffic and warned that any ship attempting to pass through the waterway could be targeted. Iranian media reported that military forces had acted against vessels attempting transit.

However, the US military disputed those claims, stating that commercial shipping continued to move through the strait and that no American warships had been struck. US Central Command said maritime traffic remained active despite Tehran’s announcement.

Concerns over oil markets

The latest escalation has renewed concerns over global energy supplies because the Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most important oil shipping routes. Oil prices rose following reports of intensified military action and uncertainty surrounding maritime traffic in the region.

The renewed confrontation comes amid fragile diplomatic efforts aimed at reducing tensions between Washington and Tehran. Analysts warn that continued military exchanges could further destabilise the region and increase pressure on international energy markets.