Kolkata, 28 May (H.S.): The political atmosphere in West Bengal has intensified following a series of arrests targeting leaders, councillors, former ministers and officials allegedly linked to the previous Trinamool Congress regime. Twenty-four days have passed since the BJP government led by Suvendu Adhikari assumed office, and during this period nearly two dozen leaders and influential figures have been arrested in connection with corruption, extortion, financial irregularities, post-poll violence and illegal collection rackets.
One of the most high-profile arrests has been that of former Fire Services Minister Sujit Bose. The Enforcement Directorate arrested him on May 11 in connection with alleged illegal appointments in the South Dum Dum Municipality recruitment scam. He had earlier been questioned several times ahead of the Assembly elections.
Trinamool MLA Dilip Mondal also faced multiple complaints related to intimidation of political opponents and incitement of violence. Attempting to avoid arrest, he approached the Calcutta High Court, but was eventually arrested on May 27 from a hotel in Puri, Odisha, by a joint team of the West Bengal Police Special Task Force and Diamond Harbour Police. Earlier, his son Arghya Mondal had also been arrested with weapons.
Former senior police officer Shantanu Banerjee has also come under the scanner over alleged financial irregularities and suspected business links. The Enforcement Directorate issued a lookout notice against him amid fears he could flee abroad. His name has surfaced in several cases registered in Kolkata and Delhi, and he has reportedly been absconding since raids at his Fern Road residence. Banerjee was considered one of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s close officials.
In North 24 Parganas, Dipankar Bhattacharya, chairman of Baduria Municipality, was arrested in connection with alleged corruption and irregularities involving relief materials. During raids in a jute field linked to him, police recovered approximately Rs 2.24 crore in cash hidden underground inside four trolley bags and a sack. A court has remanded him to six days of police custody.
Another significant arrest involved influential Trinamool leader and Kolkata Municipal Corporation councillor Sudip Polley from Behala’s Ward No. 123. He was arrested on extortion charges. Rising through student politics, Sudip had built a strong influence in the area and was widely regarded as a powerful local leader.
Police have also acted against four Trinamool councillors of the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation. Samrat Barua alias Rakhal was arrested on charges of intimidation and illegal collection. Ranjan Poddar, considered close to Sujit Bose, was also taken into custody. Sushobhan Mondal alias Michael has been accused of demanding Rs 5 lakh from a shopkeeper, while Samaresh Chakraborty was arrested after allegations surfaced that he demanded Rs 50 lakh from a promoter.
In Cooch Behar, Trinamool youth leader Swapan Barman was arrested over allegations of attacking the convoy of Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and vandalising the vehicle of a former MLA. Police claimed that a pistol and one round of ammunition were recovered from him during the arrest.
Police have also arrested Abdul Kader Molla, considered a close aide of Shahjahan Sheikh in the Sandeshkhali case. He has been accused of attacking BJP supporters as well as the vehicle of a Trinamool MLA.
In Hooghly district’s Dankuni area, Trinamool councillor Surya Dey was arrested for allegedly assaulting a man. Interestingly, his name had earlier mistakenly appeared as “deceased” in the Election Commission’s voter list, after which he had staged a dramatic protest at a crematorium along with supporters. His name was later restored to the electoral rolls.
The continuous arrests across the state have triggered a major political confrontation in West Bengal. While the BJP government has described the actions as a crackdown on corruption and criminal networks, the Trinamool Congress has alleged that the arrests are politically motivated and part of a campaign of vendetta.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey
