Escalating Arrests of TMC Leaders in Kolkata Amid Corruption Allegations

In Kolkata, the Trinamool Congress (TMC) is facing a wave of arrests among its leaders due to serious allegations of corruption, including extortion and fraud. Recent detentions involve councilors and a party spokesperson, with investigations ongoing. The situation has escalated tensions within the party, revealing internal conflicts and public protests against the accused. As the police continue their inquiries, the political landscape in West Bengal appears increasingly tumultuous, with implications for the party's future and leadership dynamics. Read on to discover more about the unfolding events and their potential impact.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 4, 2026, 12:59 IST

Increasing Arrests of TMC Officials

The situation in Kolkata has seen a surge in the arrests of leaders from the Trinamool Congress (TMC). According to police reports, several councilors and a party spokesperson have been detained on charges including extortion, fraud, criminal intimidation, and property disputes. Recently, Mahesh Kumar Sharma, a councilor from Ward 42, was apprehended by the Burrabazar police station as part of an ongoing investigation. Authorities indicated that he was taken into custody in connection with a case filed on January 7, 2025. The police have stated that multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code have been invoked against Sharma, encompassing charges related to criminal conspiracy, fraud, forgery, extortion, and criminal threats.

Details of Allegations Remain Unclear

However, officials have not disclosed the specific allegations that led to the filing of the case and subsequent arrests. Investigations are still underway. In another incident, Sachin Singh, a TMC councilor from Ward 36 in the Narkeldanga area, was arrested following numerous complaints regarding extortion and irregularities. Allegations suggest that Singh has been collecting money from parking operators and other local businesses for an extended period, as well as soliciting bribes related to civic and development projects. He is also accused of threats and physical assault. This series of events follows the arrest of Sudip Poly, a councilor from Ward 123 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, who was detained for allegedly extorting several lakhs of rupees under similar charges. During his court appearance in Alipore, protesters displayed slogans against him and hurled eggs and shoes.

TMC Spokesperson Arrested for Property Dispute

Additionally, the West Bengal police have arrested TMC spokesperson and state vice president Jay Prakash Majumdar on allegations of harassing a woman and illegally occupying her property for several years. The complainant, Aarti Roychowdhury, claims that Majumdar moved into her home as a tenant nearly 12 years ago but subsequently stopped paying rent and has maintained possession of the premises. Amidst this turmoil, internal dissent within the party has rapidly surfaced in just 13 days, marked by a sudden meeting in Delhi, a controversy over forged signatures, and growing unease regarding the increasing influence of TMC MP Abhishek Banerjee, alongside an emerging struggle for succession.