Soham Chakraborty accused of ₹68 lakh loan default; Shahid Imam moves HC, files police complaint

Actor-MLA Soham Chakraborty has been accused of defaulting on a ₹68 lakh loan by fellow actor-turned-politician Shahid Imam, who has moved the High Court and filed a written complaint at Charu Market Police Station. The dispute has surfaced ahead of the Assembly elections, with both sides presenting sharply different versions of events.

Shahid has alleged that Soham borrowed ₹68 lakh from him in 2021 and repaid only ₹25 lakh in two instalments, leaving ₹43 lakh outstanding. He claimed that despite repeated requests after his release on bail in 2023, Soham stopped responding and allegedly began issuing threats instead of clearing the dues. “After waiting for two years, I was compelled to file a loan default case,” Shahid said, adding that he submitted a written complaint to the police on Tuesday.

Shahid, known in the acting world as Shubham, said he had known Soham for a long time and extended the loan based on that relationship. At the time of the transaction, he was associated with the Trinamool Congress as a youth leader. He was later arrested in 2023 in connection with the SSC scam case and released on bail the same year. According to him, he was unable to pursue repayment while in custody and resumed communication only after securing bail.

Soham has not denied taking the loan but has rejected the allegation of threats. He stated that the money was taken in 2021 for the film ‘Paka Dekha’ and that Shahid had initially agreed to provide more funds but did not do so, forcing him to arrange the remaining amount from other sources. “The allegation of threatening is false. I have informed him multiple times that I will repay the money,” Soham said, maintaining that attempts are being made to malign him ahead of the elections.

Confirming that ₹25 lakh has already been repaid, Soham said he intends to clear the remaining amount once his stalled film projects are released and finances improve. “Everyone knows the condition of the Bengali film industry. Unless my films are released or I receive funds, how can I repay the loan?” he said, adding that his lawyer is examining the legal notice and that he will take appropriate legal steps if necessary.