TMC leader arrested for ₹4 crore extortion racket; Was using Abhishek Banerjee's letter head

Kaushik Sarkar, a local Trinamool leader from New Town, Kolkata, has been arrested for allegedly running an extortion racket worth crores. Sarkar, who claimed to have connections with both the state and central governments, was taken into custody on Thursday night from the Chinar Park area after an extensive investigation by the police.

Known for his influential demeanor and apparent connections, Sarkar reportedly carried a letter pad bearing the name of Trinamool MP Abhishek Banerjee, which he used to gain the trust of his victims. His behavior and movements suggested significant clout, which many found convincing enough to believe in his promises of getting various jobs done.

The unraveling of Sarkar's operation began when a businessman filed a complaint at the Shakespeare Sarani police station, alleging that Sarkar had extorted money from him under the pretense of securing a job. The complainant recounted how Sarkar had arranged a meeting near Camac Street, claiming that MP Abhishek Banerjee would be present. However, the meeting never materialized, and the businessman was told that Banerjee could not attend. By this time, Sarkar had already extracted a significant sum from the victim in two installments.

Upon receiving the complaint, the police launched an investigation and soon uncovered a larger pattern of fraud. Sarkar had allegedly extorted ₹4 crore from various individuals by falsely promising government-related favors. His arrest has sent shockwaves through the local community, where residents claim that Sarkar has been involved in similar fraudulent activities for some time. There are also allegations of land scams associated with his name, purportedly conducted under the guise of connections with top leaders of the ruling party.

The police are now investigating the full extent of Sarkar's network and the number of victims involved in the scam. His arrest marks a significant step in addressing the rampant issue of political fraud and extortion in the area.