Former TMC Councillor Arrested in West Burdwan Gambling Raid
Police Operation Uncovers Gambling Den
Representational Image. (Photo: Unsplash)
Kolkata, Nov 10: Chandan Saha, a former councillor from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in Durgapur, was apprehended during a police operation targeting an alleged gambling establishment in West Burdwan district, as reported by law enforcement on Tuesday.
Authorities revealed that the clandestine gambling operation was taking place in a hotel located in Durgapur, where significant amounts of money were reportedly exchanged during late-night gambling sessions.
According to police, Saha was identified as the primary operator of this illegal venture. Following a tip-off, officers from the Durgapur police station conducted a raid on the hotel late Monday night.
During the operation, four individuals, including Saha, were caught in the act of gambling. Police seized one lakh rupees from the scene.
Officials indicated that these gambling activities had been ongoing for an extended period, evading police scrutiny.
Investigators believe that Saha, once regarded as a prominent political figure in the region, was the mastermind behind the gambling ring. Authorities are currently examining the scope of the gambling network and the involvement of those arrested.
Additionally, it has been suggested that Saha may have connections to various extortion cases in the locality.
The incident has sparked political discourse, with BJP MLA Lakshman Chandra Ghorui asserting that Saha had leveraged his political clout to facilitate gambling operations and was potentially involved in other illicit activities in the area.
Ghorui further urged for an investigation into how the former councillor acquired his wealth and whether it was linked to illegal endeavors. He stated, "Chandan Saha has numerous associates. This operation has been running for a considerable time. Four individuals, including the councillor, have been arrested from the gambling den, and a substantial amount of money has been recovered. This former councillor has amassed a significant property portfolio through various unlawful activities."
Police have refrained from commenting on the MLA's claims beyond the gambling case, and further investigations are ongoing.