Several Trinamool Congress leaders and workers have been arrested across multiple districts as police widen investigations into alleged corruption, extortion and intimidation cases in West Bengal.
Police action against leaders and workers associated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) continued across West Bengal on Monday, with fresh arrests reported from districts including Cooch Behar, West Burdwan and Asansol. The cases involve allegations ranging from corruption in municipal approvals to extortion and criminal intimidation.
The latest developments come amid an intensified law enforcement drive targeting individuals accused of financial irregularities and unlawful activities.
Former Dinhata Municipality Chairman Arrested
In Cooch Behar district, former Dinhata Municipality chairman Gouri Shankar Maheshwari was arrested in connection with an alleged scam involving the approval of building plans.
The case is linked to accusations of irregularities in municipal clearances. Earlier, municipality employee Moumita Bhattacharya was also taken into custody. She was produced before a local court on Sunday and remanded to three days of police custody for further questioning.
Investigators are examining whether improper approvals were granted in exchange for financial benefits.
TMC Block President Held in Extortion Case
In West Burdwan district, police arrested Shatdeep Ghatak, the TMC president of Durgapur-Faridpur Block, on charges related to extortion and intimidation.
According to police officials, Ghatak allegedly threatened BJP workers and local residents while operating an illegal extortion network in the area. He was detained during a late-night operation carried out by Faridpur police and later presented before the Durgapur sub-divisional court.
Authorities said the investigation is ongoing and additional evidence is being collected.
More Leaders Under Investigation
In Asansol, TMC worker Raju Ahowalia was arrested in multiple cases, including allegations of extortion.
Police are also investigating Kumaresh Bhuiyan, son of former MLA Mamata Bhuiyan. He has been accused of involvement in extortion and hooliganism, though no arrest was reported at the time of filing this report.
Background of the Crackdown
Allegations of corruption involving local political leaders and municipal officials have surfaced repeatedly in West Bengal in recent years. Several opposition parties have accused ruling party functionaries of misusing influence in local administration and business dealings.
Following the change in the state’s political environment, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari had publicly called for stricter police action against those accused in corruption-related cases.
Police operations have since expanded across several districts, with authorities pursuing cases linked to extortion, intimidation and alleged misuse of public office.
Why the Developments Matter
The arrests are significant because they reflect increasing scrutiny of local political networks and municipal functioning in West Bengal. Investigations into corruption and extortion cases often influence local governance, public trust and political tensions in the state.
The ongoing crackdown is also expected to intensify political debate ahead of future elections, as rival parties continue to trade accusations over law and order and corruption issues.
What Happens Next
Police officials said investigations in the various cases are continuing and more questioning, document verification and arrests may follow based on evidence gathered during the probes.
The accused individuals are expected to face further legal proceedings in local courts in the coming days. (With inputs from H.S)
Inputs & Image courtesy: Hindustan Samachar (H.S.)
Edited by: Dikshita Bollu
Last Updated on: Monday, May 18, 2026 3:27 pm by Bollu Dikshitha | Published by: Bollu Dikshitha on Monday, May 18, 2026 3:27 pm | News Categories: News
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