Kolkata Erupts in Protests as TMC Councillors Face Arrests Amid Public Outrage

Kolkata is witnessing intense public protests following the arrest of two Trinamool Congress councillors, Bappaditya Dasgupta and Md Jasimuddin. Residents expressed their anger through demonstrations, including egg-throwing incidents, as allegations of extortion and abuse surfaced. Dasgupta faces serious charges, including attempted arson, while Jasimuddin's arrest followed a dramatic standoff at his home related to a POCSO case. The public's response highlights growing frustration with local leaders, prompting calls for accountability and justice.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 7, 2026, 18:00 IST

Public Fury Erupts Over Arrests of TMC Councillors

In Kolkata, the arrest of two councillors from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) sparked significant unrest on Sunday, with residents expressing their anger through protests and confrontations with police. The councillors, Bappaditya Dasgupta from southeast Kolkata and Md Jasimuddin from the north, faced public backlash, including being pelted with eggs.

The situation escalated when Jasimuddin reportedly barricaded himself in his home to avoid arrest, prompting police to wait outside for nearly six hours before calling a locksmith to gain entry.

In Patuli, hundreds gathered outside the police station to protest against Dasgupta, who was arrested on charges including extortion and attempted arson. His associate, Sourav Ghosh, was also taken into custody.

As police escorted Dasgupta to court, demonstrators hurled eggs at him, leading to his remand in police custody for 14 days, while Ghosh was remanded for 11 days.

The allegations against Dasgupta stem from a complaint by local lawyer Paramita Dey, who claimed he demanded Rs 20 lakh for setting up a legal chamber and later vandalized her property after she paid Rs 2 lakh under duress.

Dey reported ongoing threats and harassment from Dasgupta's supporters, which forced her to leave the area.

Outside the police station, protesters labeled Dasgupta a thief and called for strict action against him, accusing him of land-grabbing and intimidation.

In a separate incident, Jasimuddin's arrest involved a dramatic standoff at his residence, where he was wanted in a case under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act related to the alleged abuse of a girl.

Following an attack on the victim by Jasimuddin's associates, which left her hospitalized, police registered an FIR against him and seven others.

As police attempted to arrest Jasimuddin, supporters gathered to obstruct the operation, but were dispersed by security forces.

Witnesses reported that locals threw eggs at the police vehicle transporting Jasimuddin, reflecting the widespread anger over both councillors' actions.

In response to the unrest, BJP minister Indranil Khan commented on the public's growing willingness to confront alleged corruption, emphasizing that the law would prevail.