Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Jun 9: A councillor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) from the Trinamool Congress, Sushmita Bhattacharya, was arrested on Tuesday along with her husband, Salil Chatterjee, in connection with an alleged extortion case.
According to police officials, the arrests were made by officers from the Watgunge Police Station following a complaint lodged on June 5. Based on the allegations, an FIR was registered and an investigation was initiated.
Police said the couple has been accused of extorting Rs 30 lac from an elderly man. The complaint also includes allegations of intimidation and threats directed at the victim.
With Bhattacharya's arrest, the number of KMC councillors arrested in connection with various criminal cases has reportedly risen to nine.
The latest development comes amid a series of police actions involving elected representatives of the Trinamool Congress in Kolkata. Investigators have recently intensified inquiries into allegations ranging from extortion and corruption to other criminal offences.
Earlier this month, councillor Bappaditya Dasgupta was arrested in an alleged extortion case. Subsequently, Mohammad Jasimuddin was taken into custody following the registration of a case under provisions of the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita.
Other councillors who have faced police action in recent weeks include Bishwajit Mondal, Sudip Polle, Sachin Singh, Arijit Das and Maheshkumar Sharma.
Police officials stated that investigations are continuing and that action is being taken based on complaints and evidence gathered during ongoing probes. Authorities have also indicated that raids and inquiries linked to alleged corruption, extortion and other unlawful activities are being carried out in multiple locations.
The arrested councillor and her husband are expected to be produced before a court, while investigators continue to examine the allegations and collect further evidence related to the case.
Further details are awaited as the investigation progresses.