An FIR has been lodged against former North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha at the Mathabhanga police station in Cooch Behar district, following a written complaint by Bhawaiya folk singer Manindranath Barman, who alleged that Guha threatened to kill him over songs criticising the then All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) government. The complaint was filed on Friday night, with Barman accompanied by a lawyer.

What the Complaint Alleges

Barman, a resident of Nayarhat in Mathabhanga, told police that shortly before the recent Assembly elections, he had composed and performed songs highlighting alleged corruption within the Trinamool government. He alleged that former MLA Udayan Guha — who represented the Natabari constituency — subsequently threatened to kill him and reportedly hired hired individuals to carry out the threat.

The singer claimed he had been living in hiding for an extended period, fearing for his life, and said he had provided police with comprehensive details of the allegations. 'When the Trinamool government was in power, I composed some songs against the state government and I sang those songs myself. That angered Udayan. Several Trinamool leaders from Dinhata threatened to kill me. I ran away. At that time, I could not even file a complaint at the police station. Miscreants were sent after me,' Barman said on Saturday.

Background and Political Context

Notably, before the Assembly elections, Trinamool spokesperson Partha Pratim Roy had reportedly visited Barman's residence carrying a list of developmental works undertaken by the Trinamool government over the previous 15 years — a visit that, in hindsight, adds a layer of political context to the dispute.

Attempts to reach Udayan Guha for his response were unsuccessful, as his mobile phone was found switched off. The local Trinamool leadership also declined to comment on the matter.

Crackdown on TMC Leaders Since BJP Came to Power

The FIR comes amid a broader pattern of legal action against Trinamool Congress leaders since the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) formed the government in West Bengal. Police have been active in pursuing allegations of illegal and criminal activity against TMC-linked figures. In the past month alone, a large number of Trinamool councillors across the state have been arrested on charges of corruption and extortion.

This is not an isolated incident — it reflects a wider post-election reckoning that has seen multiple sitting and former TMC representatives face legal scrutiny across the state.

What Happens Next

With the FIR now formally registered at Mathabhanga police station, investigators are expected to record statements and examine the evidence provided by Barman. Whether Guha will be summoned or arrested will depend on the police's assessment of the complaint. The case is likely to draw further political attention given Guha's former ministerial stature and the ongoing crackdown on TMC leaders across West Bengal.