Who is Jahangir Khan and why UP’s ‘Singham’ is going after him before 2nd phase of West Bengal polls?
The Statesman | 28 April 2026
A viral video showing a senior police officer warning associates of a Trinamool Congress candidate in South 24 Parganas has brought Jahangir Khan into sharp focus ahead of the second phase of West Bengal polling.
The development has triggered a political storm not just because of the officer’s intervention, but also due to a fresh round of allegations circulating in political circles and on social media about Khan’s alleged influence in the Falta constituency.
The video features Ajay Pal Sharma, deployed as police observer in the district, visiting a residence linked to Khan and issuing a stern warning.
In the clip, he is heard saying, “Jahangir’s family members are standing here; tell him properly – we’re repeatedly getting reports that his people are issuing threats; we’ll take strict action over it. Don’t end up crying and regretting later.”
Sources indicated that Khan himself was not present at the location during the visit, and the warning was directed at his kin.
Khan, who had reportedly left his residence around 36 hours before polling, responded by saying, “We will file an FIR and go to court.”
The video has since gone viral, fuelling debate over law and order in the run-up to voting.
Jahangir Khan is contesting the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections as a Trinamool Congress candidate from the Falta constituency in South 24 Parganas.
At 41, he has studied up to Class 12. Election disclosures show assets worth around Rs 2.1 crore and no liabilities. No criminal cases are registered against him, according to available records.
However, beyond official filings, Khan’s name has figured prominently in political discourse around the constituency.
Reports circulating on social media and in political circles have alleged that Khan is closely linked to a powerful political figure often referred to as “Bhaipo”, and is part of a larger syndicate network operating in the region.
These reports claim involvement in activities such as land grabbing, smuggling and other organised operations. They also claim he holds considerable sway over how elections play out in Falta. Some accounts go a step further, suggesting voting in the constituency has, at times, been tightly controlled, citing unusually high vote shares. These claims could not be independently verified.
The Trinamool Congress has dismissed such narratives as politically motivated, maintaining that attempts are being made to create confusion ahead of polling.
Sharma, a 2011-batch IPS officer of the Uttar Pradesh cadre and currently Additional Commissioner of Police in Prayagraj, is known for his tough policing style.
His deployment in South 24 Parganas is being seen as part of the Election Commission’s effort to ensure stricter enforcement in sensitive areas.
Political observers say his intervention, captured on camera, has added a new layer to an already charged contest, where perception battles are as critical as ground mobilisation.
The Election Commission has not issued an official statement on the viral video. However, sources said observers have been directed to maintain strict vigilance and act swiftly on any complaint of law violation.
Officials reiterated that ensuring free and fair polling remains the priority.