Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, Apr 27: A councillor of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) was arrested in West Bengal’s Burdwan district on charges of obstructing police duties, officials said on Monday.
The accused, identified as Narugopal Bhakat, a ward councillor of Ward 22 in Burdwan town, was taken into custody after a joint raid conducted by police and central forces at his residence early in the morning.
According to officials, the arrest follows an incident of political tension between TMC and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers in the area on Saturday. Police had reached the spot after reports of unrest, during which Bhakat allegedly interfered with official duties.
Authorities said he was accused of physically blocking police from entering the locality and questioning their authority during the investigation. He is also alleged to have engaged in an argument with police personnel, insisting that officers could not proceed without informing the local councillor first.
A complaint was subsequently filed, leading to legal action and his arrest. He is expected to be produced before a district court later in the day.
The arrest comes just ahead of the second and final phase of polling in West Bengal, scheduled for Wednesday. Constituencies in East Burdwan are among those going to the polls, and the development has heightened tensions in the area.
Security has been tightened with additional forces deployed to prevent any unrest. Officials from the Election Commission of India said enhanced arrangements are in place to ensure a free and peaceful voting process.
The remaining 142 constituencies will vote in the final phase on April 29, while counting of votes is scheduled for May 4.