Baguiati councillor wanted for assaulting promoter gets bail
Times of India | 17 February 2025
Kolkata: Samaresh Chakraborty, the councillor of ward 9 of Bidhannagar Municipality who was wanted in a case of extortion and assault of a promoter in Baguiati since Dec, surrendered before a Barasat court on Saturday and was granted bail. He had allegedly surrendered with three other men who were also absconding. The three others arrested in this case were also granted bail.
Following the bail, the assaulted promoter blamed officers of Baguiati PS for not arresting Chakraborty earlier. "Chakraborty was at home. The police deliberately did not arrest him because he has influential backing," Kishore Halder, the promoter, told reporters on Sunday.
On Dec 15, Haldar turned up at Baguiati PS with a bandaged head and blood soaked t-shirt, levelling allegations of extortion and assault against Chakraborty and his men. He said he was constructing a multi-storey building with permit from BMC but Chakraborty demanded Rs 50 lakh. Halder said he paid Rs 20 lakh and then Rs 3 lakh. But Chakraborty and his men continued to press him for more. Baguiati cops arrested two individuals that night and another later on. But cops could not locate the other eight accused, including Chakraborty. It is reported that the police have not yet submitted a charge sheet.
An officer said, "A notice was posted at Chakraborty's house for him to appear at the police station. Searches were conducted at his Chilapata resort and outside Kolkata and the state. Cases have been filed against everyone under non-bailable sections of BNS and Arms Act."
Chakraborty is known for his close association with a youth leader from the Rajarhat-Gopalpur assembly area.
Halder's lawyer, Alok Samajpati, questioned the police's role while admitting that bail is a democratic right. "It's truly astonishing that in two months, the cops couldn't find them. We are going to the higher court to appeal against this bail," he told reporters.
Halder said he will pursue the legal battle at the highest level. But he and his family are concerned about their safety. He said, "For security, I have written to the deputy commissioner's office as directed by the court. I have also informed Baguiati PS about the court's directive. The police station only called me once to ask why I needed security. Nothing else has happened. Meanwhile, Chakraborty has been granted bail."
TOI made calls and texts to Chakraborty but he didn't respond till late on Sunday.