TMC leader’s close aide arrested in promoter assault and extortion case in Baguiati

Police on Tuesday arrested Amit Chakraborty alias Noni, a close associate of Debraj Chakraborty, in connection with allegations of assaulting and extorting a promoter in the Baguiati area of North 24 Parganas. According to police sources, Amit Chakraborty had been absconding for a long time after a criminal case was registered against him. Investigators said he was arrested by Baguiati police and would be produced before court on Wednesday, where police are expected to seek custody for further investigation.

The case is linked to allegations made by promoter Kishore Haldar, who accused Amit Chakraborty and others of demanding money and later attacking him after he refused to pay the remaining amount. According to police sources, the incident dates back to December 2025 in the Raghunathpur area under Baguiati police station. Investigators alleged that ₹50 lakh was demanded from the promoter as extortion money and that he initially paid ₹3 lakh out of fear. Police further alleged that the promoter was later assaulted with firearm butts and iron rods after refusing to pay the remaining amount.

The arrest comes days after Baguiati councillor Samaresh Chakraborty alias Chintu was arrested in connection with allegations involving assault and extortion. Police sources said a case related to the assault of a promoter had been registered around two years ago against Samaresh Chakraborty. He had later surrendered before police and obtained anticipatory bail. Local residents had also alleged that intimidation and influence continued in the area even after legal proceedings began.

Meanwhile, police also detained Debraj Chakraborty, considered an influential Trinamool Congress leader in the Rajarhat-Gopalpur and Bidhannagar areas, for questioning late Tuesday night. According to police sources, investigators had recently intensified monitoring of his movements following allegations related to illegal recruitment and financial irregularities in government tenders. Police officials have not yet issued any formal statement regarding his detention or possible arrest.

According to people familiar with Trinamool Congress organisational structures in North 24 Parganas, Debraj Chakraborty held significant influence in the district’s youth organisation and municipal politics. He had also previously come under the scrutiny of central agencies during investigations related to the teacher recruitment scam. Police sources said investigators are now examining multiple allegations connected to extortion, assault, recruitment irregularities, and financial transactions linked to individuals associated with him.