Kolkata, 15 July (H.S.): Former Naihati Municipality Chairman and Trinamool Congress leader Ashok Chattopadhyay was arrested from his residence on Wednesday in connection with multiple criminal cases registered against him.

According to the police, the cases relate to alleged assaults on BJP workers, vandalism of houses, molestation, attempts to incite riots, and other offences dating back to 2025. A few days earlier, his son had also been arrested in connection with related investigations.

Following the change in government after the Assembly elections, several municipalities across West Bengal witnessed administrative disruptions. In Naihati Municipality, Ashok Chattopadhyay and several councillors reportedly stopped attending office, affecting the functioning of the civic body.

Police sources said that when Chattopadhyay visited the municipal office in May, he was met by protesters who allegedly surrounded him and forced him to leave the premises. During the incident, some municipal employees were also reportedly assaulted.

Subsequently, Chattopadhyay resigned from the post of Chairman of Naihati Municipality.

After his arrest on Wednesday, he was produced before the Barrackpore Court. Investigators have sought 10 days of police custody for further interrogation as the investigation continues.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey