West Bengal is witnessing growing political turbulence after several leaders and local functionaries associated with the All India Trinamool Congress were arrested in recent days over allegations ranging from extortion to corruption and intimidation.
The slogan “Chor Chor” (thief, thief) has echoed through several localities as residents reacted strongly to the arrests and police action. Demonstrations and public outbursts were reported from multiple districts, reflecting increasing anger over alleged corruption and extortion at the local level.
Police action has been reported in Kolkata, Nadia, Hooghly, South 24 Parganas, Falta and Canning, among other areas.
Kolkata Councillor Sudip Polley arrested
In one of the most high-profile actions, Kolkata Municipal Corporation councillor Sudip Polley was arrested on alleged extortion charges.
Residents in parts of Behala reportedly welcomed the police action, with some locals alleging that extortion linked to construction projects and political influence had become rampant in the area over the years.
People in the locality claimed that after entering politics, leaders accumulated significant power and wealth while allegedly demanding money from builders, contractors and local businesses.
Arrests in Nadia, Hooghly and Falta
In Krishnanagar, police arrested Sarajit Biswas, a panchayat functionary accused of extorting money from factories and workers.
In Hooghly district, Rajdeep De, the pradhan of Kamarpukur panchayat, was arrested from Tarakeswar in connection with similar allegations.
Meanwhile, in Falta, police arrested Saidul Khan, described as a close aide and relative of controversial local strongman Jahangir Khan.
In another significant development, the brother of a TMC MLA in Canning was also detained over alleged extortion-linked activities.
‘Chor Chor’ slogans during arrests
Scenes of public outrage were witnessed during some of the arrests. A video widely circulated on social media showed residents shouting “Chor Chor” slogans after the arrest of TMC worker Tapan Biswas, considered a close aide of Trinamool councillor Malabika Baidya from Ward No. 127.
Locals accused him of threatening residents and engaging in extortion activities for years. The slogans reflected what many observers described as deep public frustration against alleged syndicate operations and political intimidation.
Police say action based on complaints
While several arrested leaders and functionaries have claimed they are victims of political vendetta, police officials stated that the actions were initiated based on specific complaints and evidence collected during investigations.
Administrative sources quoted in media said the crackdown is part of a wider drive against organised extortion rackets, illegal collections and alleged syndicate networks operating across parts of Bengal.
Shadow of Sandeshkhali and syndicate politics
Political observers noted that allegations of extortion, land grabbing and syndicate operations have repeatedly surfaced in Bengal politics over the past several years.
Controversies involving figures like Shahjahan Sheikh and Jahangir Khan had already intensified public anger over allegations of political protection and local strongman culture.
The visible support for recent arrests indicates growing frustration among ordinary residents who feel local-level corruption and intimidation had become deeply entrenched.
The new BJP-led government in West Bengal has repeatedly stated that dismantling what it describes as “syndicate raj” and restoring law and order remain among its top priorities.
Reports claim the recent police actions are part of a larger campaign targeting illegal construction networks, extortion rackets and politically backed criminal operations across the state.
