Kolkata: Former KMC councillor of Ward 104 Tarakeswar Chakraborty was on Saturday remanded in police custody till July 7.Chakraborty, who is also the former chairman of Borough XI, was arrested later on Friday in connection with two FIRs registered against him, alleging extortion, criminal intimidation, attempted molestation, forgery, theft and land grab. The complaints, lodged at the Survey Park PS, led to the registration of two separate cases. One complaint accuses Chakraborty of threatening and intimidating the complainant, while the second alleges forgery, theft and an attempt to outrage a woman’s modesty. .Police said preliminary investigations yielded sufficient material to justify Chakraborty’s arrest. Police alleged that Chakraborty, along with his associates, built substantial assets by forcibly taking control of fish farms in the area and extorting money from residents of the area. Investigators said they were recording the statements of complainants and witnesses and examining documentary and other evidence to establish the full extent of the alleged offences. They maintained that the investigation would proceed strictly in accordance with law and that anyone found involved would face legal action.During the hearing, public prosecutor Sourin Ghoshal sought custodial interrogation, arguing that Chakraborty had allegedly operated with a sizeable network during his tenure and that sustained questioning was necessary to identify and trace other individuals linked to the alleged crimes. Appearing for the complainants, advocates Parmita De and Ayan Pal opposed the bail plea, contending that the seriousness of the allegations — including land grabbing, assault on an advocate and an alleged attempt to outrage a woman’s modesty — required continued police custody to ensure an unhindered investigation.After Chakraborty’s arrest, a group of residents gathered outside the Survey Park Police Station, carrying eggs and tomatoes in an apparent attempt to protest against the former councillor. Police, however, quickly escorted Chakraborty out of the premises, preventing any confrontation and shielding him from any attack.
