Kolkata, June (H.S.) : Swarup Biswas, brother of former West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, was produced before a court on Friday and remanded to 14 days of police custody following his arrest in connection with allegations of extortion and violence.

According to officials, the arrest was made based on a complaint filed by a female make-up artist from the Tollygunge area. The complainant alleged that Swarup Biswas, through an association linked to make-up artists working in the Bengali film, television, and OTT industry, collected money from several individuals on the pretext of providing jobs and opportunities.

The prosecution argued in court that the accused is an influential individual with political connections, making custodial interrogation necessary. Accepting the prosecution’s submission, the court granted 14 days of police custody.

Police have booked Swarup Biswas under Sections 308 (extortion) and 109 (attempt to murder) of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), along with Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act, related to unlawful possession and use of firearms and ammunition.

Investigators said the complaint alleges that nearly 50 individuals were each charged around ₹50,000 under the promise of employment in the entertainment industry, including the complainant.

Swarup Biswas is a former president of the Eastern India Federation of Film Technicians and Workers, where he had earlier faced allegations of extortion from members of the organisation.

He has also been linked to a previous investigation related to alleged vandalism at Salt Lake’s Yuva Bharati Krirangan during Lionel Messi’s visit to India last year.

Police said interrogation is underway and further investigation into the case is in progress.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh