‘Chor Chor’ Slogans Echo Across Bengal As TMC Leaders Face Arrests In Extortion Cases
‘Chor Chor’ Slogans Echo Across Bengal As TMC Leaders Face Arrests In Extortion Cases Published By, Last Updated: May 25, 2026, 18:05 IST Multiple TMC
‘Chor Chor’ Slogans Echo Across Bengal As TMC Leaders Face Arrests In Extortion Cases Published By, Last Updated: May 25, 2026, 18:05 IST Multiple TMC leaders in West Bengal, including Sudip Polley and Sarajit Biswas, are arrested on extortion and corruption charges. West Bengal police have launched action against several local leaders. The slogan “Chor Chor" (thief, thief) is increasingly being heard in parts of West Bengal as multiple leaders and functionaries linked to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) have been arrested in recent days over allegations ranging from extortion to corruption. From Kolkata to districts such as Nadia, Hooghly, South 24 Parganas and Canning, police have launched action against several local leaders, triggering strong reactions from residents and adding to political tensions in the state. TMC worker Tapan Biswas, a close aide of Trinamool councillor Malabika Baidya of Ward No. 127, has been arrested.
On seeing him, locals protested with ‘chor chor’ slogans. Common people have accused Tapan Biswas from extortion to threatening people. pic.twitter.com/X8EYnQ8XO6— Amit Thakur 🇮🇳 (@Amit_Thakur_BJP) May 25, 2026 In Kolkata, Kolkata Municipal Corporation councillor Sudip Polley was arrested on alleged extortion charges. In Krishnanagar, police arrested Sarajit Biswas, a panchayat functionary accused of extorting money from factories and workers. In Hooghly district, Rajdeep De, pradhan of the Kamarpukur panchayat, was arrested from Tarakeswar in connection with similar allegations. While those arrested have claimed they are victims of political vendetta, police officials said action was taken based on specific complaints lodged against them. In separate cases, police arrested Saidul Khan in Falta, described as a close aide and relative of Jahangir Khan, while in Canning, the brother of a TMC MLA was detained over alleged extortion-related charges. The arrests come amid reports that several senior TMC leaders, including Abhishek Banerjee, have moved courts seeking protection from coercive action.
In some areas, local residents have openly welcomed the police action. A resident from Behala, commenting on the arrest of councillor Sudip Polley, alleged that the leader accumulated influence and wealth after entering politics and later demanded money from construction projects in the locality. Political observers say allegations involving extortion, corruption and alleged “syndicate networks" have been a recurring issue in public discourse around Bengal politics. Earlier controversies surrounding figures such as Shahjahan Sheikh of Sandeshkhali and Jahangir Khan of Falta had already fuelled public anger in certain regions. Analysts believe the visible support for recent arrests reflects broader frustration among sections of residents over alleged corruption and local-level political influence. The new BJP-led government in West Bengal has repeatedly said that restoring law and order and dismantling what it describes as a “syndicate raj" remain key priorities. Administrative sources claim the recent police actions are part of a wider crackdown targeting organised extortion and illegal activities across the state.
The developments are likely to intensify political confrontation in Bengal, with the ruling dispensation positioning the arrests as anti-corruption action while opposition leaders continue to allege selective News18 Newsletter Handpicked stories, in your inbox A newsletter with the best of our journalism submit First Published: May 25, 2026, 17:58 IST News cities kolkata-news ‘Chor Chor’ Slogans Echo Across Bengal As TMC Leaders Face Arrests In Extortion Cases Disclaimer: Comments reflect users’ views, not News18’s. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy Loading comments...
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