Kolkata, 08 June (H.S.) : Tension erupted in Falta area of South 24 Parganas after reports emerged of the arrest of Trinamool Congress (TMC) former candidate Jahangir Khan, also known as ‘Pushpa’, from near the Nepal border. Following the news, locals reportedly vandalised his party office, breaking open the shutter and locks before entering the premises.

According to local allegations, a large number of liquor bottles and several documents were recovered from inside the office during the incident. Protesters also searched rooms and furniture within the premises. However, some residents were seen urging others to limit their actions to inspection and avoid damaging property.

Jahangir Khan had withdrawn from the electoral contest just 48 hours before the re-polling held on May 21 in the Falta Assembly constituency. Since then, he had reportedly remained out of public view.

On Monday, information surfaced that he was arrested near the Nepal-India border. Reports suggest that he was brought to India through the Panitanki border point and is likely to be produced before a court in Siliguri, after which transit remand proceedings to bring him to Kolkata have begun.

During the election process in Falta, Jahangir Khan and his associates had faced allegations of influencing voters and obstructing polling. Post-election, multiple complaints against him had continued to surface, keeping the controversy alive in the region.

Following news of his arrest, crowds gathered outside the TMC office in Falta, leading to vandalism and a search of the premises. The incident has further escalated tensions in the area.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh