KRISHNANAGAR: Former West Bengal minister and senior Trinamool Congress leader Ujjal Biswas was arrested on Tuesday night in connection with an alleged case of misappropriation of government tarpaulins in Nadia district.The arrest came just hours after Biswas was heckled by protesters outside his residence amid allegations related to the same issue.Police said the former correctional department minister was taken into custody after an investigation linked to a case registered at Kotwali police station. He is likely to be produced before a court on Wednesday.According to police, “Based on the specific case started at Kotwali PS and investigation conducted, the ex-MIC has been arrested and will be produced before court as per legal procedure.”According to police, the controversy escalated during the day when local residents and BJP supporters gathered outside Biswas’s house, alleging that government tarpaulins were being illegally stored and removed.The situation intensified after several tarpaulins were reportedly seen being loaded onto a goods vehicle parked outside his residence, triggering public anger.As the news spread, a large crowd assembled outside the premises, raising slogans and demanding immediate action against the former minister.The protest turned tense, with reports of eggs being thrown at the site.Protesters claimed that a large stock of government relief tarpaulins was kept inside the residence and attempts were being made to move them out.Biswas, however, denied all allegations, stating that no government materials had been misused or misappropriated.Police personnel from Kotwali police station reached the spot and escorted him away from his residence to prevent further escalation of tension and maintain law and order.Officials said the move was taken as a precaution to avoid deterioration of the situation.The arrest has added a political dimension to the incident, with opposition parties demanding a detailed investigation into the allegations.
