Kolkata: The Calcutta High Court on Tuesday granted interim protection from coercive action to Trinamool MP Kirti Azad in connection with allegations of extortion made by a businessman.Justice Kausik Chanda said he did not, prima facie, find substance in the allegations against the former cricketer based on the audio recording played before the court.The court, however, directed Azad to cooperate with the investigation. He has been asked to appear at Bhabani Bhawan on Sept 22 at noon.The single judge said the CID could interrogate Azad, if required, but would have to issue him seven days’ notice before summoning him. The court also directed the investigating agency to submit a report after six weeks.The complainant had claimed that an associate of Azad had demanded Rs 15 lakh from him. The businessman further alleged that he was threatened with the closure of his cooking gas distribution business if he failed to pay the amount.
