TMC Councilor Mahesh Sharma arrested over extortion and fraud charges

Kolkata Police arrested Trinamool Congress (TMC) councilor Mahesh Kumar Sharma on Wednesday night. Sharma, who represents Ward 42, was taken into custody by the Barabazar police following an investigation into long-standing complaints of fraud and extortion. These allegations, which were originally filed last year, gained momentum after the recent change in government prompted a renewed focus on pending criminal cases involving political figures.

The arrest is part of a broader "zero tolerance" policy against corruption championed by Chief Minister Subhendu Adhikari. Since taking office, the new BJP-led administration has issued strict directives to the police to act decisively against illegal activities, including extortion and the harassment of local business owners. Sharma is currently being interrogated by investigators, and the police are expected to seek his custody for further questioning during his scheduled court appearance this Thursday.

Mahesh Sharma is the latest in a series of TMC councilors to face legal action. Other prominent figures recently arrested include Sachin Singh of Ward 36, Arijit Das Thakur of Ward 106, and Sudip Polle of Ward 123, all facing similar charges ranging from extorting promoters to threatening shopkeepers. The simultaneous arrest of TMC spokesperson Jayaprakash Majumdar on separate charges of illegal property occupation further highlights the mounting legal pressure on the opposition party.