Former Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor of the Durgapur Municipal Corporation, Chandan Saha, was arrested on the night of 10 November 2026 after officers from Durgapur police station raided a hotel in West Burdwan district that was allegedly being used as a gambling den. Police said Saha was caught red-handed along with three others while gambling was actively underway on the premises.

How the Raid Unfolded

Acting on a tip from a confidential source, officers swooped on the hotel late Monday night, detaining four people in total. Police recovered ₹1 lakh in cash from those arrested at the scene. According to investigators, large sums of money were exchanged during late-night gambling sessions held at the establishment.

Investigators allege that the gambling operation had been running inside the hotel for a considerable period, reportedly evading police attention. Authorities are now probing the full extent of the alleged network and the specific roles of all four individuals in custody.

Saha's Alleged Role and Background

Police have named Chandan Saha as the principal organiser of the gambling operation. Once regarded as an influential political figure in the Durgapur area during his tenure as a TMC councillor, Saha is now at the centre of a widening probe. Investigators also reportedly suspect his involvement in multiple extortion cases in the region, though formal charges on those counts have not yet been announced.

BJP MLA's Allegations

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Lakshman Chandra Ghorui alleged that Saha had long exploited political connections to run illegal activities, including gambling. Ghorui called on authorities to scrutinise how the former councillor accumulated his assets. 'Chandan Saha has several associates. Such business was being carried out for a long time. Four people, including the councillor, have been arrested from a gambling den. A lot of money has been recovered. This former councillor became the owner of a large number of properties through various illegal activities,' Ghorui said.

Police have not publicly responded to the MLA's broader allegations beyond confirming the gambling case. The TMC had not issued an official statement as of the time of this report.

What Happens Next

Further investigation is underway, with police expected to examine financial records and establish the full scale of the alleged gambling network. The case adds to a growing list of incidents involving former local-body representatives and alleged criminal activity in West Bengal, drawing renewed scrutiny on political accountability at the municipal level.