Twist in harassment case: Never met Swarup Biswas, says woman
Times of India | 9 August 2026
Kolkata: In a surprising twist on Friday night to one of the most high-profile cases involving alleged extortion and threat by people who were considered close to the erstwhile Trinamool Congress regime, make-up artist who had accused the former federation president Swarup Biswas of sexual misconduct has now decided to “withdraw” the case.
“I have withdrawn the case I filed against Swarup Biswas as he never molested me. In fact, I never even spoke to him face to face. Misled and influenced by certain people, I ended up doing this after believing whatever they told me,” the complainant wrote on social media. “The moment I realised the truth, I tried to take the case back, but fear stopped me.”
Biswas, once a powerful figure in the Tollygunge film industry and brother of former minister Aroop Biswas, was arrested on June 4 from his home on charges including extortion, sexual harassment, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy, attempt to murder and provisions under the Arms Act. The complainant, a member of the Tollygunge Makeup Artist Federation Guild, had earlier alleged that Biswas made sexually inappropriate demands and said she would have to be his “preferred person” and “bed partner” to continue working. She had claimed she was barred from work and threatened after refusing.
In a video message on Friday night, she claimed she had been pressured into making false allegations. “Some people told me to make false allegations, and I said those things after listening to them. But I never said that Swarup Biswas molested me. Even the written complaint is not mine. The signature may be mine, but I was forced to do it under pressure,” she said.
“My main complaint was not against Swarup Biswas, but against two others. I said they came to my house to threaten me and to shoot me,” she added. She also apologised to Biswas, saying, “Because of me, Swarup Biswas was unjustly jailed… I fold my hands and sincerely ask for his forgiveness.”
A senior Lalbazar officer said a criminal case cannot be “withdrawn” overnight without court approval. “The case will take its course. We will file the chargesheet. Let her explain her stance in court at the time of trial,” the officer said.
Police said Biswas still faces at least four cases, including three at New Alipore PS. Prosecutor Sourin Ghosal had earlier alleged investigators found evidence of an extortion racket, including demands for a 5% cut from industry workers, Rs 1.3 crore collected during the pandemic, 66 suspicious receipts and Rs 75 lakh in unaccounted federation funds.
Swarup’s brother Aroop, who was one of the most influential cabinet ministers in the erstwhile Trinamool govt, is now part of the breakaway Ritabrata Banerjee camp of Trinamool and is under probe in connection with the alleged irregularities surrounding an event featuring Argentine football star Lionel Messi.
Actress Rupali Rai Bhattacharya said the episode would hurt genuine survivors. “This sets a bad precedent,” she said.
Box:
Key Financial & Legal Case Figures:
5% cut demanded from the earnings of Tollygunge film industry workers
₹1.3 Crore allegedly collected through extortion during the Covid-19 pandemic.
₹75 Lakh federation funds to be missing in an audit; 66 receipts found to be directly linked to fraudulent enrollment fees