West Bengal Police arrest Sarina Bibi after violent protest at Falta police station aimed at securing the release of jailed TMC strongman Jahangir Khan
West Bengal Police on Saturday arrested Sarina Bibi, the wife of Trinamool Congress strongman Jahangir Khan, in connection with a violent attack on police personnel and central forces during a protest outside Falta police station.
The arrest comes two days after a large group of supporters allegedly attempted to storm the police station and secure Khan’s release from custody. Police sources said Sarina Bibi, 37, was among the key organisers of the protest and is accused of leading the demonstration that turned violent.
According to officials, 27 people have so far been arrested in connection with the incident.
Jahangir Khan has been in police custody since June 8 after being arrested near the Nepal border while allegedly attempting to flee the country. His detention sparked unrest among supporters in Falta, an area where Khan has long been regarded as a dominant political figure.
Police sources claimed that Sarina Bibi was angered by the manner in which her husband was publicly paraded following his arrest. Authorities have reportedly escorted Khan through parts of Falta on multiple occasions with a rope tied around his waist, a move that drew criticism from supporters and triggered protests.
The state government has taken a tough stance on the incident. Following the violence, a case was registered against Sarina Bibi on charges linked to anti-state activities and attacks on law enforcement personnel.
Addressing a public meeting in Falta, state leaders warned of strict action against those involved in the violence and stressed that the rule of law would be enforced without exception. Officials also indicated that properties linked to individuals found guilty could face legal action under applicable provisions.
Jahangir Khan, considered a close associate of Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, rose to prominence in Falta, which falls within the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency.
He attracted national attention during the Assembly elections after a public confrontation with IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma. Polling in Falta was cancelled during the second phase of voting amid allegations of electoral irregularities and violence.
Khan was the Trinamool Congress candidate from Falta but unexpectedly withdrew from the contest ahead of the repoll. The Bharatiya Janata Party subsequently won the seat by a record margin.
Often referring to himself as the local “Pushpa” in reference to the popular Telugu film franchise, Khan has remained under the scanner of enforcement agencies over allegations ranging from intimidation to election-related offences.
Investigations into the police station attack and the broader network of individuals involved in the protest are ongoing.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
