Kolkata, 18 May (H.S.) : Trinamool Congress candidate Jahangir Khan on Monday approached the Calcutta High Court expressing apprehension of arrest ahead of the re-poll scheduled for May 21 in West Bengal’s Falta Assembly constituency.

Justice Sougata Bhattacharyya granted permission for the matter to be heard, with the hearing likely to take place at 2 p.m. on Monday.

The development comes days after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari addressed a public meeting in Falta on Saturday and launched a sharp attack on Jahangir Khan, who is considered close to Trinamool Congress MP Abhishek Banerjee.

During the rally, the Chief Minister reportedly said, “Let the election get over. I will take care of him after that. That responsibility is mine.”

Over the past few years, Jahangir Khan has emerged as a prominent figure in the politics of South 24 Parganas district. During the Assembly elections, political circles closely watched the confrontation between Khan and IPS officer Ajaypal Sharma, the observer for the Diamond Harbour Police district and an officer from the Uttar Pradesh cadre.

Known for his image as an “encounter specialist,” Ajaypal Sharma was often compared to the fictional cop character “Singham.” In response, Jahangir Khan had remarked, “He may be Singham, but I am also Pushpa... I will not bow down.”

After polling concluded, opposition parties alleged that free and fair voting did not take place at several booths in the Falta Assembly constituency. Following a review of the situation, the Election Commission decided to hold a re-poll in the constituency.

The Bharatiya Janata Party, while in the opposition earlier, had accused Jahangir Khan of being involved in violence, extortion and booth capturing activities in the Falta and Diamond Harbour regions. Opposition leaders also alleged that several local residents were forced to leave the area due to fear and intimidation.

However, Jahangir Khan has denied all allegations against him. Recently, while reopening a party office, he claimed that he was fully prepared for the election and said the people of Falta would respond through their votes regarding the work carried out during the Trinamool Congress regime.

Amid fears of possible arrest, Khan has now sought legal protection from the Calcutta High Court.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh