The West Bengal Police arrested Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir Khan near the India-Nepal border on Monday in connection with an extortion case, marking a major development in an investigation that has drawn political attention in West Bengal. The Police said Khan had allegedly been evading law enforcement agencies for several days after multiple cases were registered against him and his associates. The arrest comes weeks after action was taken against some of Khan’s close associates.
Khan was detained during a coordinated operation after police tracked his movements to the India-Nepal border region in north Bengal. Officials said the Trinamool leader would be produced before a court and questioned as part of the ongoing probe into allegations of extortion and related offences.
Khan, a prominent political figure from South 24 Parganas district, has been facing scrutiny over a number of complaints filed by local residents and political rivals. The allegations reportedly include extortion, intimidation, assault and incidents linked to political violence.
The cases are largely linked to the Falta area, where Khan has long been considered an influential political leader. The constituency has witnessed political controversy in recent months following allegations of violence and intimidation during the West Bengal assembly election. However, the authorities are now examining whether the complaints are connected to a broader pattern of alleged criminal activity.
Amid mounting legal pressure, Khan had earlier approached the Calcutta High Court seeking protection from coercive action, claiming that multiple criminal cases had been filed against him.
Excerpt: