Police in Kolkata have apprehended a former Trinamool Congress councillor from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) on charges of extortion and molestation. Tarakeswar Chakraborty, who was a councillor of ward number 104 in the Survey Park area and also the chairman of Borough No 11 of KMC, was arrested around 12:30 a.m. on Saturday.
Authorities reported that two FIRs were lodged against Tarakeswar at the Survey Park police station. The allegations include molestation, unlawful obstruction of work, assault, damage to property, and other serious charges. Additionally, a separate FIR accuses him of extortion.
Following a complaint filed at the Survey Park police station, two FIRs were filed on June 23, leading to Tarakeswar’s impending court appearance. The police plan to request custody of the Trinamool leader for further interrogation.
In the wake of the Trinamool Congress’s electoral defeat, internal rifts have surfaced within the party, affecting various civic bodies it oversees. Notably, the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) board has been dissolved, and the Mayor of Kolkata, Firhad Hakim, has resigned, prompting further changes within the civic administration.
Several former Trinamool councillors have been arrested by the police post-election, with allegations ranging from extortion to corruption and coercion. Tarakeswar’s arrest adds to the growing list of former councillors facing legal action, bringing the total to around 11 individuals from the KMC.
Authorities are actively investigating complaints against other Trinamool councillors across different police stations in Kolkata.
