Madhyamgram biryani businessman arrested for assault and gunpoint threats over rental dispute

Anirban Das, a biryani businessman and member of the Mohanpur Panchayat, was arrested by Madhyamgram police on Tuesday night. He faces allegations of physically assaulting a property owner and threatening him at gunpoint during a dispute over a rented shop. The arrest follows a formal complaint filed at Nimta Police Station by the property owner, Biswajit Dutta.

According to the complaint, Anirban Das rented a shop from Dutta two years ago under an 11-month lease agreement. However, after the lease period ended, Das allegedly refused to vacate the premises or renew the contract, despite multiple requests from the owner. Dutta claims that Anirban’s refusal to leave led to tensions between the two.

The situation reportedly escalated a few days ago when the property owner again requested Das to vacate the premises. Dutta alleges that, during this exchange, Anirban’s employees physically assaulted him. Furthermore, it is claimed that Anirban’s bodyguard showed a firearm and that Anirban himself issued threats to kill Dutta. Following the incident, Dutta lodged a formal complaint with Nimta Police Station, leading to the investigation and subsequent arrest.

On Tuesday, when Anirban returned to his shop in Madhyamgram, police officers arrived at the location and arrested him. Authorities have started an investigation into the allegations, including verifying the possession and use of the firearm. The police are examining witness statements, security footage, and other available evidence.

Mohanpur Panchayat chief Nirmal Kar commented on the incident, stating that it appeared to be a business-related dispute. He further clarified, "This is not a political matter. He is a businessman, and the dispute might have arisen due to his business or personal reasons." Kar also questioned the firearm’s involvement, saying, "He is a businessman—where would he even get a firearm from?"