Naihati's Ex-Mayor Ashok Chatterjee arrested on molestation and riot charges

The West Bengal Police on Wednesday arrested senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and former Naihati Municipality Chairman Ashok Chatterjee from his residence. The arrest follows a series of criminal cases registered against him in 2025, which include allegations of assaulting Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers, vandalizing their homes, molestation, fighting, and attempting to instigate riots. Following his apprehension by the Naihati police station, Chatterjee was produced before the Barrackpore court, where investigators sought a 10-day police custody remand for further questioning.

The arrest comes amidst significant administrative and political turmoil across several state municipalities following a recent change of government in West Bengal. Ever since the announcement of the assembly election results, Chatterjee and multiple TMC municipal councilors had reportedly stopped attending office, bringing local civic operations to a complete standstill. During a brief visit to the municipal office in May, Chatterjee faced intense protests from opposing groups, which led to a hostile standoff where municipal workers were allegedly beaten and he was forced to flee the premises.

Chatterjee subsequently resigned from his official position within the municipal council, mirroring a broader wave of resignations by mayors and civic representatives across the state. His arrest follows the recent detention of his son by law enforcement agencies in connection with related cases. Law enforcement officials stated that the ongoing crackdowns are part of active investigations into political violence and civic disruptions that erupted during the transition of power in the state.