Police have arrested Imran Khan, nephew of former Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor and ex-vice chairman of Rishara Municipality, Zahid Khan, a senior officer of the Chandannagar Police Commissionerate confirmed on Thursday, 24 September 2026. Imran was apprehended in Bihar and brought to Serampore the same day, where he was produced before the Serampore court and remanded to police custody.

Charges Against the Accused

Imran faces serious allegations including vandalising houses, disturbing public peace, and attempted rape in the Serampore police station area. According to investigators, these acts were allegedly committed alongside Zahid Khan's son Shahid ahead of and during various elections between 2016 and 2026. Police state that Imran had been absconding for a considerable period before his eventual arrest in Bihar.

Post-Election Crackdown on Former Trinamool Leaders

The arrest comes in the wake of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, after which the Trinamool Congress government collapsed. Since then, law enforcement has intensified action against former ruling party leaders on pending complaints. Officers of the Chandannagar Commissionerate have been pursuing old cases with renewed vigour, arresting TMC councillors and local leaders on charges ranging from extortion and unrest to molestation. Imran's arrest is the latest in a series of such actions.

Zahid Khan and Son Shahid Still at Large

Imran's uncle Zahid Khan had served as a TMC councillor and vice chairman of Rishara Municipality for several years. Multiple allegations have been levelled against both Zahid and his son Shahid Khan, neither of whom has been seen in the area for some time. Police visited their residence approximately a month ago in an attempt to locate Shahid. Investigators are now probing whether Zahid and Shahid maintained contact with Imran while he was in hiding, and authorities say they hope to trace both men soon following Imran's arrest.

Broader Pattern of Action in Bengal

The crackdown reflects a broader pattern across West Bengal, where police have been acting on complaints filed during the previous TMC government's tenure that were reportedly not pursued at the time. This is not an isolated case — multiple former TMC-affiliated councillors and local leaders have faced arrest in recent months on charges that had remained dormant for years. Notably, the acceleration of such cases follows a change in political power, raising questions about the timeline and selectivity of enforcement, even as victims of the alleged crimes await justice.