Kolkata Police have arrested Samrat Mukherjee, son of former All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor Bijanlal Mukherjee, in connection with an alleged extortion and corruption case, officials confirmed on Tuesday, 28 July. The accused allegedly extorted approximately ₹34 lakh from a local real estate developer by issuing threats, triggering a formal complaint at Kasba Police Station in south Kolkata.

How the Case Unfolded

The incident reportedly began in mid-July. The real estate developer filed the first complaint against Samrat Mukherjee on 18 July at Kasba Police Station, alleging that the accused had extracted around ₹34 lakh through intimidation and threats. A second complaint was subsequently lodged at the same station, widening the scope of the investigation.

Officers of Kasba Police Station launched a probe immediately upon receiving the allegations. Following days of sustained investigation, the arrest was carried out on Monday, 27 July.

Charges Registered Against the Accused

Police have registered multiple cases against Samrat Mukherjee, including charges of extortion and intimidation. Notably, provisions under the Arms Act have also been added to the case, suggesting the alleged threats may have involved the use or display of weapons, according to officials.

West Bengal's Zero-Tolerance Crackdown

The arrest comes amid a broader anti-corruption drive in West Bengal under Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari, who has publicly committed to a zero-tolerance policy against criminal and unethical activities, including extortion. Since the government signalled this stance, police have arrested several current and former TMC leaders on charges ranging from extortion and molestation to intimidation.

Among those currently in judicial custody on corruption-related charges are former TMC leaders Sujit Bose, Ujjwal Biswas, and Udayan Guha. The arrest of Samrat Mukherjee adds to a growing list of politically connected individuals facing criminal proceedings in the state.

Significance and What Comes Next

This is the latest in a series of arrests targeting individuals with alleged links to the TMC, as the current West Bengal administration seeks to distinguish itself on the issue of law enforcement. The real estate sector — a frequent flashpoint for extortion disputes in urban Bengal — remains under scrutiny. Legal proceedings against Samrat Mukherjee are expected to progress through the courts in the coming weeks, with police likely to seek custody for further interrogation.