Former Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor Debraj Chakraborty of the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation in North 24 Parganas, West Bengal, was on Thursday, 3 July 2025 remanded to seven days in police custody by the Barasat Court, a day after his arrest in a disproportionate assets (DA) case. Chakraborty, who had been absconding for several days, was arrested by the West Bengal Police from Purulia on Wednesday evening, 2 July 2025.

Scenes Outside Barasat Court

When Chakraborty was produced before the court, a large crowd had gathered on the premises and began shouting slogans branding him a 'thief'. Some in the crowd hurled eggs at him as he arrived — an incident that drew wide attention. Chakraborty reportedly wore a baseball cap in an apparent attempt to shield himself from the projectiles.

A heavy police contingent was deployed to escort him safely into the courtroom. Several police personnel were reportedly struck by hurled eggs while attempting to protect the accused. Following a brief hearing, the court remanded Chakraborty to seven days of police custody.

Calcutta High Court's Earlier Orders

Last week, a single-judge bench of the Calcutta High Court, headed by Justice Jay Sengupta, rejected Chakraborty's anticipatory bail plea. On the same day, however, the bench granted interim anticipatory bail to his wife, Aditi Munshi — a former TMC legislator and noted devotional singer — who is a co-accused in the same case. The court cited the couple's four-month-old daughter as grounds for granting Munshi interim relief.

Allegations Against the Couple

Investigators allege that Aditi Munshi, the then TMC MLA from the Rajarhat-Gopalpur Assembly constituency in North 24 Parganas, and Chakraborty transferred assets worth at least ₹100 crore anonymously and in the names of relatives and acquaintances ahead of the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections. The charges include possession of assets disproportionate to known sources of income, concealment of assets, and money laundering.

Munshi, who contested the recently concluded West Bengal Assembly polls and was defeated, is also accused of understating her assets in the election affidavit she filed for those elections. Chakraborty was considered an influential figure in the Bidhannagar area during his tenure as councillor.

What Happens Next

With Chakraborty now in police custody for seven days, investigators are expected to question him about the alleged asset transfers and any undisclosed holdings. The case against Munshi remains active, with her interim anticipatory bail subject to further court proceedings. The outcome of this case is being closely watched given its implications for political accountability in West Bengal ahead of future electoral cycles.