Kolkata, 19 May (H.S.) : A Trinamool Congress trade union leader, identified as Tarak De reportedly a close associate of former minister Jyotipriya Mallick has been arrested on charges of extortion in the Habra area of North 24 Parganas, triggering political controversy and local unrest.
According to police sources, the accused had allegedly been collecting regular payments from auto-rickshaw and toto (e-rickshaw) drivers by exerting political influence in the locality. Several drivers have accused him of running a coercive collection system over transport routes in and around Habra–Phultala.
The arrest has sparked tension in the area, with a section of local residents reportedly raising slogans of “chor chor” (thief, thief) against the detained leader as he was being taken to court.
The accused was produced before the Barasat court on Tuesday, where the judge remanded him to police custody for further interrogation.
Local sources claimed that Tarak De was a well-known figure in the area and had been associated with the transport workers’ union. He was also believed to have strong political backing due to his proximity to senior TMC leadership.
Allegations suggest that he effectively controlled multiple auto and toto routes in Habra, with nearly 30–40 vehicles reportedly operating under his influence. Drivers alleged that those who resisted paying weekly or monthly collections were threatened or pressured into compliance.
In addition to transport workers, there are also allegations that funds were collected from local traders under the pretext of organising local festivals and community events.
The complaint that led to the arrest was filed last Saturday by a toto driver at Habra police station, following which police initiated an investigation. Acting on the complaint, police arrested the accused late Monday night from the Vivekananda Pally area along Taki Road.
Reacting to the incident, local TMC leader Biswajit Samaddar stated that the party does not support any wrongdoing. He said that those who misuse organisational platforms and harass the public are being acted against by law enforcement authorities.
The arrest comes amid a series of recent crackdowns on alleged extortion and illegal activities involving political functionaries across parts of the state, further intensifying political debate in the region.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
