Kolkata, 10 June (H.S.): Kolkata Municipal Corporation councillor and former Mayor-in-Council member was arrested by police on Wednesday in connection with a case involving charges of attempted murder, molestation and other serious offences. The action was taken based on a case registered at Narkeldanga Police Station relating to an incident that allegedly took place in 2022.

According to police sources, Samaddar was arrested from the Phoolbagan area of Kolkata. With his arrest, the number of Kolkata Municipal Corporation councillors taken into custody has risen to 10.

Samaddar's name had previously surfaced in the high-profile murder case of , which became one of the most discussed cases linked to the alleged post-poll violence that followed the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections. The case was investigated by the (CBI) as part of a wider probe into incidents of violence reported after the declaration of election results.

On May 2, 2021, following the announcement of the Assembly election results, several incidents of violence were reported across different parts of the state. Shortly before his death, Abhijit Sarkar had posted a live video on social media alleging that his residence and pets had come under attack. Hours later, his body was recovered, triggering widespread political controversy and demands for an impartial investigation.

Subsequently, Sarkar's family approached the seeking an independent probe into the case. After prolonged legal proceedings, the court directed the CBI to take over the investigation.

In the chargesheet filed by the agency, Samaddar was named as one of the accused along with former Trinamool Congress MLA .

Investigators are continuing to examine various aspects of the case, while Samaddar's arrest has reignited political debate in West Bengal. Political observers view the development as a significant step in the ongoing legal proceedings related to the alleged post-poll violence cases that have remained under scrutiny for several years.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh