Raju Naskar arrested in Kolkata: TMC leader faces extortion, intimidation charges
Synopsis
A Trinamool Congress leader from Kolkata's Beliaghata with at least six pending criminal cases — including a prior pre-election arrest — has been picked up again by police in a late-night operation, this time on charges of extortion and forcibly evicting a family from their home. The TMC has stayed silent.
Key Takeaways
Raju Naskar , TMC leader from Beliaghata , Kolkata, was arrested by the anti-rowdy wing of Kolkata Police in a late-night operation on 29 July .
He faces at least six criminal cases across multiple police stations, including extortion, assault, and criminal intimidation.
Naskar had previously been arrested before the West Bengal Assembly elections and was later granted bail.
He is also linked to alleged illegal constructions in Beliaghata flagged after the state government took office in May .
He is to be produced before the Sealdah court on Wednesday; police may seek custody for interrogation.
The Trinamool Congress had not issued a formal response as of Wednesday.
Raju Naskar, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader from Beliaghata in north Kolkata, was arrested by the anti-rowdy wing of Kolkata Police in a late-night operation on Tuesday, 29 July, on multiple charges including extortion, assault, criminal intimidation, and terrorising local residents, officials confirmed on Wednesday.
The Charges Against Naskar
According to police, at least six criminal cases have been registered against Raju Naskar across different police stations in the city. Investigators said the allegations include physical assault, threats, and extortion carried out through the abuse of local political influence. A Kolkata Police officer stated that this arrest is specifically linked to charges of extortion and the forcible eviction of a family from their residential property.
A History of Criminal Allegations
This is not Naskar's first brush with the law. He had previously been arrested ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections in connection with an assault case and criminal intimidation charges, and was subsequently granted bail by a court. His latest arrest is tied to the investigation of those pending cases alongside fresh complaints. Notably, his name had also surfaced after the state government initiated action against alleged illegal constructions in the Beliaghata area following its return to power in May. Local residents had accused him of being associated with several such unauthorised structures.
Local Tensions and Recent Incidents
Tensions in the area had been simmering ahead of the arrest. A few days prior, a section of local residents reportedly attacked Naskar's associates, though Naskar himself was not present at the time. The incident underscored the degree of community anger directed at him and his network, according to reports.
What Happens Next
Raju Naskar is to be produced before the Sealdah court on Wednesday, 29 July. Police are expected to apply for his custody for further interrogation. Investigators are also probing whether other individuals were involved in the alleged offences. The Trinamool Congress had not issued a detailed response on the matter as of Wednesday. Police said all complaints against Naskar would be investigated and further action taken in accordance with the law.
Point of View
Secure bail, and continue operating — until political conditions shift. The fact that he was arrested before the Assembly elections, released, and has now been re-arrested on fresh charges raises questions about the pace of investigation into the original cases. The silence from the Trinamool Congress is telling: the party faces a credibility problem when its own leaders are named in community complaints about illegal construction and forced evictions. Whether this arrest leads to sustained accountability or becomes another entry in a long list of bail-and-return cycles will depend on how vigorously the Sealdah court and investigators pursue custody and charge-sheeting.
NationPress
29 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who is Raju Naskar and why was he arrested?
Raju Naskar is a Trinamool Congress leader from Beliaghata in north Kolkata. He was arrested on 29 July by the anti-rowdy wing of Kolkata Police on charges including extortion, assault, criminal intimidation, and forcibly evicting a family from their home.
How many criminal cases does Raju Naskar face?
At least six criminal cases have been registered against Raju Naskar across different police stations in Kolkata, according to police officials. The charges span extortion, assault, threats, and abuse of local influence.
Has Raju Naskar been arrested before?
Yes. Naskar was previously arrested ahead of the West Bengal Assembly elections in connection with an assault case and criminal intimidation charges. He was subsequently granted bail by a court before his latest arrest.
What is Naskar's connection to illegal constructions in Beliaghata?
Local residents accused Naskar of being associated with several illegal constructions in the Beliaghata area. His name surfaced after the state government initiated action against such unauthorised structures following its return to power in May.
What happens next in the case?
Raju Naskar is to be produced before the Sealdah court on Wednesday, 29 July. Kolkata Police are expected to apply for his custody for interrogation and are also probing whether other individuals were involved in the alleged offences.
