Kolkata, 10 June (H.S.): Former West Bengal Correctional Services Minister was arrested late Tuesday night following prolonged questioning in connection with an alleged irregularities case involving government relief materials.

The arrest came after a large group of protesters gathered outside Biswas's residence, accusing him of misappropriating relief supplies. During the demonstration, some protesters allegedly hurled eggs at the former minister. As tensions escalated, police intervened, took him into custody for questioning and subsequently arrested him. He is scheduled to be produced before the Krishnanagar District and Sessions Court on Wednesday.

The arrest has triggered a fresh political confrontation in West Bengal, with Trinamool Congress leaders alleging that the action is politically motivated.

Reacting strongly to the development, Krishnanagar MP on Wednesday accused the BJP of orchestrating a conspiracy against the former minister. She claimed that the case was being used as a tool of political vendetta against opposition leaders.

Moitra said that during her tenure as an MLA, as well as for other legislators across the state, clothing for distribution during Eid and relief materials such as tarpaulins for disaster-affected people were routinely provided by the government. According to her, many legislators stored these materials in their homes or warehouses until distribution.

She maintained that Biswas had similarly kept the relief supplies at his residence and that the materials remained undistributed because elections were announced before Eid, preventing their planned distribution.

According to Moitra, after the change of government in the state, an administrative directive was issued on June 4 instructing authorities to retrieve government relief materials that remained in the possession of former legislators through the respective Sub-Divisional Officers (SDOs) or Block Development Officers (BDOs).

The Trinamool MP claimed that Biswas had written to the administration requesting that the materials stored at his residence be collected. She further alleged that a vehicle from the BDO's office arrived on June 9 to retrieve the supplies, but BJP workers and supporters reached the location and created disturbances.

Moitra alleged that vandalism took place during the incident, that Biswas was physically manhandled and that eggs were thrown at him.

Describing Biswas as a senior political leader, she asserted that the action against him was part of a broader campaign of political retaliation. She termed the entire episode a “pre-planned BJP conspiracy” and demanded an impartial investigation into the matter.

Meanwhile, authorities have not yet issued a detailed statement regarding the specific charges against the former minister. The case is expected to generate further political debate as legal proceedings move forward.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh