Arrest comes weeks after Bengal polls as court declines to extend interim protection
Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir Khan, a prominent political figure from West Bengal’s Falta constituency, has been arrested by the state’s Special Task Force (STF) near the India-Nepal border.
The arrest comes more than a month after the West Bengal Assembly elections, which resulted in a major political shift in the state. Khan was taken into custody after the Calcutta High Court declined to extend his interim protection from arrest, noting that multiple police cases had been registered against him following the declaration of election results on May 4.
According to officials, Khan had been under the scanner of law enforcement agencies over allegations related to intimidation and attempts to influence the electoral process. He had reportedly remained out of public view for several weeks after the elections.
Khan, who had cultivated a local image inspired by the popular Telugu film character “Pushpa”, was contesting from the Falta Assembly constituency. The constituency later became the centre of controversy after allegations of irregularities during polling.
Falta repoll controversy
Polling in Falta during the second phase of the Assembly elections witnessed complaints from voters and political parties regarding alleged irregularities involving electronic voting machines (EVMs). Following these complaints, the Election Commission ordered a repoll in the constituency on May 21.
In a surprising development ahead of the repoll, Khan announced his withdrawal from the contest. He stated that the decision was taken in the interest of development and peace in the constituency. He also remained absent during the repoll process.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) eventually won the seat by a significant margin, strengthening its position in the Assembly.
The Trinamool Congress had publicly distanced itself from Khan’s withdrawal decision at the time and criticised what it described as political pressure on its candidate.
With Khan now in custody, further legal proceedings are expected in connection with the cases registered against him.
For all the latest updates, download PGurus App.
