Arrest of Former BDO Linked to Gold Merchant Murder in Kolkata

Prashant Barman, the former Block Development Officer accused of the abduction and murder of gold merchant Swapan Kamilya, has been arrested in Kolkata after a dramatic encounter with local police. Barman had been evading authorities for months following the incident, which took place last year. His arrest occurred when he collided with a two-wheeler while driving under the influence. As tensions rose, bystanders recorded his abusive behavior, leading to police intervention. Barman's legal troubles began after the Calcutta High Court denied him anticipatory bail, resulting in an arrest warrant when he failed to surrender. This case highlights ongoing issues of crime and accountability in the region.

By Narendra Chaudhary May 26, 2026, 11:49 IST

Former BDO Arrested After Long Absence

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Kolkata, May 26: Prashant Barman, the former Block Development Officer (BDO) of Raiganj Block in North Dinajpur, has been apprehended after being on the run for a significant period. He is implicated in the abduction and murder of gold trader Swapan Kamilya, which occurred last year in Salt Lake's Dattabad area of Kolkata.

Barman's arrest took place around midnight on Monday in New Town, located on the northern outskirts of Kolkata, under dramatic circumstances.

According to the Bidhannagar City Police, Barman was driving under the influence when he collided with a two-wheeler rider. The rider managed to stand up and confronted Barman, demanding he exit the vehicle. Instead of showing remorse, Barman reacted aggressively, hurling insults at the rider.

As tensions escalated, a crowd gathered, and Barman continued his abusive behavior towards them. One bystander recorded the incident, which later circulated on social media, although its authenticity remains unverified.

Local police from the Ecopark Police Station intervened, detaining Barman and taking him to the station. He was subsequently arrested and is expected to appear in a lower court soon.

Previously, Barman had been evading law enforcement since being accused of Kamilya's murder, whose body was discovered near a canal in Dattabad on October 29 last year. Barman had even secured anticipatory bail from a sub-divisional court, but the Bidhannagar City Police contested this in the Calcutta High Court, which ultimately denied the bail and mandated his surrender by December 22, 2025.

When he failed to comply, an arrest warrant was issued. Barman then sought relief from the Supreme Court, which ordered him to surrender by January 23, 2026. He had been evading capture since that ruling.