Kolkata, July 28 (IANS) Kolkata Police have arrested Samrat Mukherjee, son of former Trinamool Congress councillor Bijanlal Mukherjee, in connection with an alleged extortion and corruption case, officials said on Tuesday.
According to police, the accused was arrested on Monday. He allegedly extorted around Rs 34 lakh from a real estate developer by issuing threats to him. Following the complaint lodged by the developer at Kasba Police Station in south Kolkata, an investigation was launched, and the arrest was made.
The incident began in mid-July. According to the police, the local real estate developer filed the first complaint against the councillor’s son, Samrat Mukherjea, on July 18. In the complaint, the real estate promoter said that the accused had taken about Rs 34 lakh by issuing threats to him.
The police launched a probe as soon as the allegations were made and the complaint was received. Later, another complaint was filed at the same police station. Following days of investigation, the officers of Kasba police station finally arrested Samrat Mukherjee on Monday.
The police have registered multiple cases against the arrested person, including extortion and intimidation. The Arms Act has also been added to the case.
The West Bengal government under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari wants to send a strong message on the issue of corruption. CM Adhikari also made it clear that the government will follow a zero-tolerance policy so far as dealing with criminal and unethical activities, including extortion cases, are concerned. Since then, police have arrested several Trinamool and former Trinamool Congress leaders for being allegedly involved in various crimes, including extortion, molestation, issuing threats and intimidation.
Leaders like Sujit Bose, Ujjwal Biswas and Udayan Guha are now in judicial custody on corruption charges.
–IANS
sch/skp
