Naihati Municipality ex-chairman Ashok Chatterjee arrested in financial irregularities case
Synopsis
Father and son, both linked to Trinamool Congress, now face separate arrest cases in Naihati within days of each other. The ex-municipality chairman's arrest over alleged temple fund misappropriation — combined with his son Abhijit's earlier detention on charges of corruption, sexual harassment, and extortion — signals a deepening legal crisis for the Chatterjee family and raises questions about civic accountability in one of India's oldest municipalities.
Key Takeaways
Ashok Chatterjee , former Naihati Municipality chairman and TMC leader, was arrested on 15 July over alleged financial irregularities.
Allegations centre on misappropriation of funds linked to a temple in Naihati, raised by temple committee secretary Tapas Bhattacharya .
A separate case under the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS) was registered against him, including charges of illegal assembly and rioting.
Police sought seven days of custody at the Barrackpore Sub-Divisional Court .
His son Abhijit Chatterjee was arrested days earlier in separate cases involving corruption, sexual harassment, extortion, and assault.
Naihati Municipality , established in 1869 , is one of the oldest civic bodies in India and the birthplace of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay .
Former Naihati Municipality chairman and All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Ashok Chatterjee was arrested on Wednesday, 15 July on allegations of financial irregularities and corruption, West Bengal police confirmed. Officers picked him up from his residence in Naihati and brought him to the local police station.
What Triggered the Arrest
The arrest follows complaints of alleged financial misappropriation linked to a temple in Naihati, raised by members of the temple committee. According to police sources, the temple committee secretary, Tapas Bhattacharya, formally raised the allegations of financial misappropriation against the TMC leader. Investigators are also separately probing broader corruption allegations against him.
A case was additionally registered against Ashok Chatterjee under several sections of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including charges related to illegal assembly and rioting, according to police.
Court Appearance and Custody Sought
According to police sources, Ashok Chatterjee was to be produced before the Barrackpore Sub-Divisional Court later on Wednesday, where investigators were expected to seek seven days of police custody to facilitate further questioning.
What Ashok Chatterjee and BJP Said
Speaking to local media, Ashok Chatterjee said, 'I have served the people for 11 years. I think there was injustice, a mistake somewhere.'
Reacting to the development, Naihati BJP MLA Sumitro Chatterjee said that if any wrongdoing had been committed, those responsible should face legal action. He noted that as chairman of the temple committee, Ashok Chatterjee could not evade accountability if irregularities had occurred, and announced plans to push for an audit through a committee.
Family Under Legal Cloud
The arrest comes days after Ashok Chatterjee's son, Abhijit Chatterjee, was arrested in separate cases involving allegations of corruption, sexual harassment, extortion, and assault — placing the Chatterjee family at the centre of a widening legal storm in Naihati.
About Naihati Municipality
Notably, Naihati Municipality is among the oldest civic bodies in the country, established in 1869, and is historically significant as the birthplace of celebrated Bengali author Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay. The unfolding controversy marks a turbulent moment for a municipality with deep historical roots.
As the investigation progresses, all eyes will be on the Barrackpore Sub-Divisional Court's custody ruling and the scope of the probe into the temple fund allegations.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Ashok Chatterjee arrested?
Ashok Chatterjee, former chairman of Naihati Municipality and a TMC leader, was arrested on 15 July over allegations of financial irregularities and corruption, primarily linked to misappropriation of funds connected to a temple in Naihati. A separate case under the BNS involving illegal assembly and rioting was also registered against him.
Who raised the allegations against Ashok Chatterjee?
Temple committee secretary Tapas Bhattacharya formally raised the allegations of financial misappropriation against Ashok Chatterjee. Members of the temple committee had flagged the complaints that triggered the police investigation.
What happened to Ashok Chatterjee's son Abhijit Chatterjee?
Abhijit Chatterjee was arrested a few days before his father in separate cases involving allegations of corruption, sexual harassment, extortion, and assault. The two arrests are unrelated legally but have drawn attention to the family's broader legal troubles.
What did Ashok Chatterjee say after his arrest?
Speaking to local media, Ashok Chatterjee said, 'I have served the people for 11 years. I think there was injustice, a mistake somewhere.' He did not elaborate further on the specific allegations.
What is the significance of Naihati Municipality?
Naihati Municipality is one of the oldest civic bodies in India, established in 1869. The town is also historically notable as the birthplace of celebrated Bengali author Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay, making the current controversy particularly prominent for the region.
