Kolkata: Sarika Khan alias Zerina, wife of Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir Khan, was arrested by Diamond Harbour district police on Saturday morning in connection with the recent attack on Falta police station. She was produced before the Diamond Harbour court along with Khan and remanded in three days’ police custody. Khan was sent to judicial custody for 14 days in one case and five days’ police custody in another.
Arrest and Charges
Police said Sarika, who had been evading arrest, was named in multiple cases under the Arms Act and Explosives Act. During a visit to Falta after the incident, Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had condemned the attack and asked police to ensure her arrest along with the other perpetrators. Investigators alleged she helped mobilize supporters and organize the protest that turned violent after Khan’s arrest.
So far, 26 people have been arrested in connection with the unrest.
Details of the Arrest
According to police, Sarika was arrested from the Julpia area of Bishnupur while allegedly trying to flee towards Usthi. Since the incident, she had reportedly been hiding at an acquaintance’s house to avoid police action.
Police claimed that after Jahangir was taken into custody, Sarika held meetings with close aides and helped assemble a crowd near Falta police station. The gathering later escalated into violence, with protesters allegedly attacking police and paramilitary personnel, vandalizing government property and damaging police vehicles.
Background of Jahangir Khan
Khan, who contested the 2026 Assembly election from Falta as a TMC candidate, had drawn attention during campaigning by calling himself “Pushpa” and saying he would not bow before adversity. After the Election Commission ordered a re-election in the constituency, he withdrew from the contest. The BJP candidate later won the seat by a wide margin, while Jahangir finished fourth.
Official Response
After Adhikari’s strong condemnation of the police station attack at a public event in Falta, where he said attacks on law enforcement personnel would not be tolerated and urged police to identify those seen in video footage of the incident, cops intensified the crackdown and filed fresh cases against Sarika under stringent provisions. Authorities said legal steps, including attachment of properties, may be considered to recover damages caused during the violence.
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