Kolkata: Former Trinamool Congress MLA and actor Soham Chakraborty has alleged that he received death threats from a producer named Tarun Das over a financial dispute. Chakraborty stated that he contacted Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Roopa Ganguly after the threats escalated. The film's director, Mohua Chakraborty, also filed a complaint against Das on Wednesday, citing similar intimidation. However, Das countered the allegations, claiming that Chakraborty was fabricating the story to avoid repaying the money.
Background of the Dispute
The conflict dates back to 2018 when Chakraborty and executive producer Amitabha Mukhopadhyay approached Soham for a film under the banner Trina Films. According to Soham, he received a cheque of Rs 15 lakh as a token advance, but no formal agreement was signed. The film was subsequently shelved. On Tuesday, Das allegedly contacted Soham's secretary and demanded the return of the money.
Soham's Account of Events
Soham recounted that Das came to his Tollygunge office on Tuesday. He offered to adjust the advance against a new project with the same remuneration as in 2018 and also adjust the signing amount. However, Das refused and threatened him. Soham said, "He called him to my Tollygunge office on Tuesday. I offered to adjust the advance against a new project with the same remuneration as in 2018 and adjust the signing amount, too. But he refused and threatened me. I took Mohua on speaker phone, where she said the film never took off for his misconduct with me. Das rubbished it and threatened her. He made gunshot sounds, spoke of revenge, and referred to his links with BJP, Sukanta Majumdar."
Later that night, Das allegedly called Soham again, shouted "Jai Shri Ram", threatened an attack with bow and arrow, and said "Joy Bangla was passé". Soham further claimed, "He said Roopa Ganguly was now the industry. As he took Roopa aunty's name, I called her. She said she would not treat the matter politically. Roopa aunty said no extortion would be allowed and that I would not have to return any money." Messages sent to Ganguly remained unanswered.
Das's Denial
Tarun Das, in his response to the Times of India, stated, "I want my money back. Soham has made up these stories about death threats... I never took Roopa-di's name separately. I said I respected BJP's ideals and voted for it. I never said I would use my party to fight my battle."
The incident has sparked discussions about the use of political connections in personal disputes. Both parties are expected to provide further evidence to support their claims.
