Former Goghat-2 Panchayat Samiti Office Bearer Arrested in Extortion Case
IIE DIGITAL DESK ; Hooghly, June 4: The Goghat-2 Panchayat Samiti, identified as Swaroop Laha, has been arrested on charges of extortion and financial fraud. Laha, who also served as the fisheries and animal resources in-charge and was a former trade union leader, was produced before the court on Thursday after being arrested by police.
Police sources, allegations have been made that Swaroop Laha had been collecting nearly ₹26 lakh over a prolonged period by exerting pressure on members of an auto union in the Kamarpukur area. The accusations triggered strong resentment among local auto drivers.
Earlier, members of the Kamarpukur Auto Union had lodged a written complaint at Goghat police station. Following the complaint, over a hundred auto drivers also staged protests outside the police station, demanding swift legal action against the accused.
Police stated that after the complaint was filed, the accused had been absconding for a long time. He was eventually arrested based on specific intelligence inputs.
When produced before the Arambagh Sub-Divisional Court on Thursday, Swaroop Laha did not respond to media questions regarding the extortion allegations.
Police have confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with officials examining financial transactions and other related aspects linked to the case. Further action will be taken based on the progress of the investigation.
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