Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir Khan, who had controversially withdrawn from the Falta Assembly re-poll in South 24 Parganas district, was paraded by police through the constituency's roads on Thursday, 11 June — dressed in half pants and a T-shirt. The public parade came amid extortion allegations against Khan, who was arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) near the Nepal border on 8 June.

The Parade and What Police Said

According to police sources, Khan was taken through Falta by officers as part of a scene reconstruction linked to extortion allegations. Unlike similar parades involving other Trinamool leaders in recent weeks, no rope was tied around his waist. He was escorted to his residence and subsequently to the Trinamool Congress office in the area, where a search operation was conducted in his presence.

Arrest at the Nepal Border

Khan, who reportedly preferred to be addressed as 'Pushpa', was apprehended by the STF on 8 June while allegedly attempting to flee through the Nepal border. Officials reached the location after a tip-off from a confidential source. He was subsequently brought to Kolkata for further proceedings. Prior to this, central forces and state police had also raided his residence before the Falta Assembly election, and multiple cases are registered against him at the Falta police station.

The Falta Re-Poll and Khan's Withdrawal

The re-election in the Falta Assembly constituency was held on 21 May. Khan withdrew from the contest 48 hours before polling. At a press conference, he stated that his vision was a 'golden Falta' and cited a special development package purportedly offered by what he described as the 'honourable Chief Minister' — a reference that drew attention given he named Suvendu Adhikari, who is actually the Leader of the Opposition, not the Chief Minister. Despite his withdrawal, Khan's name remained on the Electronic Voting Machine (EVM) next to the Trinamool symbol. He received 7,783 votes, finishing fourth.

Calcutta High Court Steps In

Khan's parade is part of a broader pattern. Several Trinamool leaders have been arrested and paraded through their constituencies with ropes tied around their waists in recent weeks. The Calcutta High Court has taken cognisance of the practice and sought a report from the state government. The court observed that while police have the authority to arrest accused persons, they cannot deliberately humiliate or defame them once in custody. The state government has been directed to submit a report explaining why this practice has been adopted, within three weeks.

What Happens Next

With the High Court's scrutiny intensifying and multiple cases pending against Khan, legal proceedings are expected to unfold over the coming weeks. The court's directive to the state government on custodial parades could set a significant precedent for how Bengal Police handles high-profile arrests going forward.