Naihati civic chief arrested over graft, assault charges
Times of India | 16 July 2026
Kolkata: Police on Wednesday arrested Naihati municipality chairman Ashok Chattopadhyay from his residence in connection with multiple criminal cases, including allegations of assault, financial irregularities, molestation and corruption.
He was taken to the local police station before being produced before the Barrackpore sub-divisional court later in the day.
According to police, the arrest follows several complaints dating back to 2025. These include allegations of assaulting BJP workers, vandalising their homes, and financial irregularities in the management of the famous Boro Ma Temple in Naihati. A senior officer of the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate said the temple committee had lodged a complaint accusing Chattopadhyay of misappropriation of funds. Police added that he also faces separate corruption charges.
Investigators have registered cases under multiple provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS), including unlawful assembly and rioting. Police are expected to seek seven days’ custody for further interrogation.
Soon after his arrest, Chattopadhyay appeared to acknowledge lapses during his tenure. “I served the people for 11 years. Perhaps mistakes were made somewhere and some wrongs were committed,” he told reporters.
The arrest has sparked a fresh political row in Naihati. BJP MLA Sumitra Chattopadhyay welcomed the move, alleging that the former municipality chairman was involved in widespread corruption.
“He committed several irregularities and acts of corruption. If someone commits wrongdoing, arrest is inevitable,” the legislator said. Referring to the alleged financial irregularities at the Boro Ma Temple, she said that as chairman of the temple committee, Chattopadhyay could not evade responsibility. She also said she would recommend the formation of a committee to audit the temple’s finances. The allegations were first raised by temple committee secretary Tapas Bhattacharya.
The arrest comes days after Chattopadhyay’s son, Abhijit Chattopadhyay, was arrested on charges including corruption, sexual harassment, extortion and assault. Police are continuing their investigation into the cases.