Multiple Trinamool Congress functionaries were arrested across districts in West Bengal on Saturday on a string of charges, ranging from cooperative bank fraud and extortion to demolishing a government school building and a post-election firing incident.
Arrests in Malda
In Malda's Ratua, Bilaimari gram panchayat pradhan Smritikana Mandal and her husband Anil Mandal were arrested in connection with an alleged multi-lakh cooperative bank scam at Sahanagar Krishi Unnayan Samity Ltd, where over 5,000 farmers and residents had deposited money. Additionally, INTTUC block vice-president Saddam Sk was arrested in Kaliachak on extortion charges linked to collections from e-rickshaw operators.
Arrests in North Dinajpur and Andal
In North Dinajpur, outgoing Raiganj municipality councillor Avijit Saha was arrested on charges including attempted murder and extortion. In Andal, Trinamool's Kanchan Mitra and Md Mozammal were arrested in an alleged coal syndicate extortion case and remanded to judicial custody until May 30.
Demolition of School in Howrah
In Howrah's Jagatballavpur, Trinamool panchayat samiti vice-president Prasanta Bag was arrested on Saturday afternoon for allegedly demolishing a government primary school building to seize land. Police said complaints had previously been filed but officers were forced to retreat due to interference from associates of a former Trinamool MLA before the elections. Bag was caught in the act when he resumed demolition on Saturday.
Firing Incident in Falta
In Falta, South 24 Parganas, the brother of Canning West Trinamool MLA Paresh Ram Das was arrested for allegedly conspiring in a firing during a BJP victory celebration after the May 4 results.
