Durgapur, 03 June (H.S.): In a major development, the police have arrested former Trinamool Congress (TMC) Borough Chairman of Durgapur Municipal Corporation, Ramaprasad Haldar, on charges of extortion, intimidation, political violence, and assault. He was arrested from Budbud in West Burdwan district by Durgapur police.
According to police sources, multiple complaints had been lodged against Haldar for allegedly influencing voters, threatening local residents, assaulting political opponents, and engaging in extortion activities ahead of the 2021 Assembly elections. Similar allegations were also reported after the elections, prompting an ongoing investigation.
Acting on a tip-off, the police conducted an operation while Haldar was travelling towards Budbud from Burdwan and subsequently arrested him. He is scheduled to be produced before the Durgapur Sub-Divisional Court, where police are expected to seek his custody for further interrogation.
Ramaprasad Haldar served as the outgoing Chairman of Borough Committee No. 2 of the Durgapur Municipal Corporation and was also the outgoing councillor of Ward No. 20. He was widely regarded as an influential and powerful TMC leader in the area.
Police officials stated that two formal complaints had been registered against him at the police station. Following the complaints, he had reportedly been absconding for several days before being apprehended on Tuesday night.
Reacting to the arrest, BJP West Burdwan district secretary Abhijit Dutta said that those who allegedly terrorized people, forced many to flee their homes after the 2021 elections, carried out looting, and engaged in extortion must face legal action. He added that both the Prime Minister and the current Chief Minister have pledged to establish the rule of law in the state.
Sources within the police department indicated that the crackdown on alleged cases of political violence, illegal occupation, and extortion involving former TMC leaders and public representatives is continuing. Following Haldar’s arrest, speculation is growing over who may be next in line for police action.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey
