Kolkata, 04 June (H.S.) :Political tensions escalated in Kolkata following the arrest of another councillor of the Trinamool Congress, who has been accused of rape and criminal intimidation, police said on Thursday.

The accused, identified as Vishwajit Mandal, councillor of Ward No. 114 under the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, was arrested after a woman lodged a complaint alleging sexual assault and threats.

According to the complaint, the alleged incidents took place in March 2024 and again on May 9, when the councillor is accused of raping her and issuing threats using abusive language. Acting on the complaint, police attached to the Regent Park Police Station took the accused into custody.

Vishwajit Mandal had long been associated with Ward No. 114 and was elected councillor in 2010, 2015, and 2021. He is also known to have political influence in the Tollygunge Assembly segment.

The arrest comes amid a series of detentions involving councillors of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. In recent weeks, four councillors have been arrested in separate cases. On May 23, Sudip Polle of Ward No. 123 was arrested on extortion charges. On June 2, Sachin Singh of Ward No. 36 and Arijit Das of Ward No. 106 were also arrested in connection with extortion allegations. Additionally, Mahesh Kumar Sharma of Ward No. 42 was arrested on Wednesday night over intimidation and other charges.

Investigations in all cases are currently underway.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh