Kolkata, 08 August (H.S.): Former Trinamool Congress MLA from Naihati, Sanat De, was arrested by the police on Saturday morning. He was picked up from the Duttapukur area of North 24 Parganas and brought to Naihati Police Station for questioning. He faces several allegations, including extortion, assault and involvement in incidents of post-poll violence following the 2021 Assembly elections. Police are scheduled to produce him before the Barrackpore court on Saturday.

According to police sources, several cases relating to post-poll violence and assault in 2021 have been registered against De. He has also been accused of allegedly running an extortion operation in the area through his associates and instructions. His name had also surfaced in connection with clashes between BJP and Trinamool Congress workers in Naihati.

As part of the investigation into these cases, police had conducted a search at De's residence a few days ago. However, he was not present at the house at the time. Police subsequently launched a search to trace him.

On Saturday morning, investigators received information about his presence in the Duttapukur area. Acting on the information, a police team conducted a raid and arrested him. He was subsequently brought to Naihati Police Station for questioning.

Following news of his arrest, BJP workers and supporters gathered outside Naihati Police Station and staged a protest. The protesters demanded strict action against the former MLA.

Debark Ghosh, vice-president of the BJP's Barrackpore organisational district Kisan Morcha, alleged outside the police station that BJP workers had faced violence and harassment in the area during De's tenure. He claimed that several party workers had been forced to leave their homes following post-poll violence and that false cases had also been filed against them.

Police are currently questioning De and investigating other aspects of the cases. The allegations against him are subject to investigation and judicial proceedings.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh