In a fresh blow to the Trinamool Congress (TMC), its councillor from Bidhannagar, Sabyasachi Dutta, was arrested on Tuesday in connection with an extortion case. The arrest was made by the Bidhannagar Police, who have been investigating the matter for several weeks.
Details of the Arrest
According to police sources, Dutta was taken into custody from his residence early in the morning. He has been accused of demanding and accepting money from a local businessman under the threat of harm. The complainant, a real estate developer, had filed a case at the Bidhannagar Police Station alleging that Dutta and his associates had extorted a substantial amount of cash from him over the past few months.
Political Reactions
The arrest has sparked strong reactions from both the ruling TMC and opposition parties. TMC spokesperson Kunal Ghosh claimed that the arrest was politically motivated and that Dutta was innocent. He stated that the party would provide all legal assistance to its leader. On the other hand, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Congress demanded a thorough investigation and accused the TMC of promoting a culture of corruption.
Previous Arrests
This is not the first time a TMC leader has been arrested in West Bengal. In recent months, several party functionaries have been taken into custody in cases ranging from corruption to violence. The opposition has consistently alleged that the state government is shielding criminals within the party, while the TMC insists that the law is taking its own course.
Legal Proceedings
Dutta was produced before a local court and remanded to police custody for three days. The investigating officer stated that further interrogation would be conducted to uncover the full extent of the extortion racket. The court has also directed the police to submit a detailed report within a week.
Impact on Local Administration
Bidhannagar, a satellite township of Kolkata, has seen rapid development in recent years. The arrest of a sitting councillor has raised concerns about the efficiency of local governance. Residents have expressed shock and demanded strict action against those involved in illegal activities.
The case continues to develop, and more details are expected to emerge as the investigation progresses.
