TMC councillor arrested for punching policeman's nose in Serampore, West Bengal
Synopsis
A Trinamool Congress councillor in Serampore allegedly punched a policeman's nose during a standoff over a locked Anganwadi centre — and his arrest has quickly become a flashpoint in West Bengal's widening post-poll violence crisis, with the councillor claiming political vendetta and opposition parties watching closely.
Key Takeaways
TMC councillor Rajesh Shah (alias Kukua) was arrested on 7 May for allegedly punching an Assistant Sub-Inspector and breaking his nose in Serampore, Hooghly district .
Two associates of Shah were also arrested; all three were produced before the Serampore court .
The confrontation occurred at a locked Anganwadi centre in Tin Bazar, Ward No.
10 of Serampore Municipality .
Shah denied the assault and alleged political vendetta , claiming BJP and CPI-M workers had attempted to seize the Anganwadi facility.
The incident is part of a broader wave of post-poll violence across West Bengal since results were declared on 4 May .
Trinamool Congress councillor Rajesh Shah, also known as Kukua, was arrested on Thursday, 7 May on charges of punching an Assistant Sub-Inspector and breaking his nose during a confrontation at an Anganwadi centre in the Tin Bazar area of Ward No. 10, Serampore Municipality, Hooghly district, West Bengal. Two associates of the councillor were also taken into custody in connection with the incident. Police produced all three arrested persons before the Serampore court and sought their custody.
How the Confrontation Unfolded
According to police, the trouble began on Wednesday when unrest broke out at the Tin Bazar Anganwadi centre after it was found locked. Police and central forces arrived at the site to open the lock. Councillor Rajesh Shah reached the spot and reportedly blocked the personnel from proceeding. An argument ensued, following which Shah allegedly punched the Assistant Sub-Inspector in the nose, causing bleeding. The injured officer is currently undergoing treatment at a local hospital.
Councillor Denies Assault, Alleges Political Vendetta
While being escorted from Sreerampore Police Station to the court, Rajesh Shah categorically denied assaulting the police officer. He claimed the Anganwadi centre was established under the state government's 'Paray Samadhan' scheme and alleged that following the West Bengal Assembly election results, workers of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Communist Party of India (Marxist) (CPI-M) attempted to seize control of the facility, triggering the scuffle. Shah further alleged that his arrest was an act of political vendetta, pointing out that the Trinamool Congress (TMC) had secured a lead in both his ward and his wife's ward, and claimed the action stemmed from resentment over that electoral outcome.
Post-Poll Violence Grips West Bengal
The incident comes amid a wave of post-poll violence reported across West Bengal since election results were declared on 4 May. Reports have emerged from multiple districts of TMC workers being assaulted, party offices vandalised, and party posters destroyed. In separate incidents, BJP workers were also reportedly targeted, with several sustaining injuries. This is part of a recurring pattern in West Bengal, where post-election violence has followed multiple assembly and local body polls over the past decade. Police have stated that strong action will be taken against those found to be indulging in such activities.
What Happens Next
The arrested trio remains in judicial custody pending a hearing at the Serampore court. The case is likely to intensify political tensions in Hooghly district, with both the ruling TMC and opposition parties watching the proceedings closely. Authorities have reiterated their commitment to maintaining law and order as post-poll violence concerns continue to mount across the state.
Point of View
The councillor invoking electoral resentment. West Bengal's post-poll violence is not new; it has followed virtually every major election in the state for years. The real question is whether the police action here reflects genuine institutional independence or is itself part of the political churn that follows every power shift in the state.
NationPress
8 May 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was TMC councillor Rajesh Shah arrested in Serampore?
Rajesh Shah, a Trinamool Congress councillor from Ward No. 10 of Serampore Municipality, was arrested on 7 May for allegedly punching an Assistant Sub-Inspector in the nose during a confrontation at a locked Anganwadi centre in the Tin Bazar area of Hooghly district. Two of his associates were also arrested in connection with the incident.
What is the 'Paray Samadhan' scheme that Rajesh Shah mentioned?
'Paray Samadhan' is a West Bengal state government scheme under which local Anganwadi centres and community service facilities are established. Shah claimed the Tin Bazar Anganwadi centre was set up under this scheme and alleged that opposition parties tried to seize control of it after the election results.
What did Rajesh Shah say in his defence?
Shah categorically denied assaulting the police officer. He alleged political vendetta, claiming that BJP and CPI-M workers had attempted to take over the Anganwadi centre and that his arrest was motivated by resentment over TMC's electoral lead in his and his wife's wards.
How does this incident relate to post-poll violence in West Bengal?
The incident occurred days after West Bengal Assembly election results were declared on 4 May, amid widespread reports of post-poll violence across the state. TMC workers, BJP workers, and others have reportedly been targeted in multiple districts, with party offices vandalised and workers injured.
What action has the police taken?
Police arrested Rajesh Shah and two associates and produced them before the Serampore court, where they sought custody. Authorities have stated that strong action will be initiated against all those found indulging in post-poll violence.
