Former two-time All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) Member of Parliament Aparupa Poddar failed to appear before the Serampore police station on Wednesday, 1 July, despite being summoned in connection with a case of allegedly obstructing police personnel during the National Investigation Agency (NIA) arrest of her husband. The suo motu case against her was registered by police on Tuesday evening, a day after the NIA detained Shakir Ali — a TMC councillor and Poddar's husband — in relation to the 2023 Ram Navami violence.

What the Police Summons Was About

The Chandannagar Police Commissionerate had directed Poddar to present herself at Serampore police station by 12 noon on Wednesday. She did not arrive even after the stipulated time had passed. The suo motu case was filed accusing her of misbehaving with government officials on duty and obstructing their lawful work during the NIA operation at her residence, which reportedly lasted approximately four and a half hours on Tuesday.

An official of the Chandannagar Police Commissionerate stated, 'If she did not appear at the police station, action will be taken as per the law.'

Where Poddar Was Instead

Rather than reporting to the police station, Poddar was spotted at the City Sessions Court in Kolkata, where her husband Shakir Ali was produced before the NIA Special Court — also referred to as the Bankshall Court. Proceedings in the case commenced after Ali was produced before the court. There was no immediate response from Poddar or her lawyer explaining her absence from the police station or her presence at court.

The Incident That Triggered the Case

According to reports, after Ali's arrest on Tuesday, as NIA officials and central forces were escorting him away in a vehicle, Poddar allegedly entered into an argument with a female police officer on the road. She reportedly pushed the officer's hand away during the altercation. It remains unclear whether the obstruction case was registered solely on account of this specific incident or also encompasses other alleged conduct during the extended NIA raid at her home.

Background: The 2023 Ram Navami Violence Case

Shakir Ali, a councillor of the Rishra Municipality in Hooghly district, was arrested by the NIA on Tuesday, 1 July, in connection with communal violence that erupted during Ram Navami celebrations in 2023. The NIA has been pursuing multiple arrests in this case, which involved clashes in parts of West Bengal. This is among the more high-profile NIA actions in the state in recent months, with the arrest of a sitting municipal councillor and the consequent case against a former MP drawing significant political attention.

What Happens Next

With Poddar having skipped the police summons, the Chandannagar Police Commissionerate is expected to initiate further legal action as per applicable provisions. The NIA proceedings against Shakir Ali in the Bankshall Court are also underway. The political fallout — given Poddar's background as a two-time TMC MP — is likely to intensify scrutiny on the party's handling of the matter.