Kolkata: A local grassroots worker claiming to be a booth president of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been arrested in east Kolkata for allegedly abducting, assaulting, and extorting a prawn processing factory worker through an illegal “kangaroo court” while trying to settle “an illicit affair.”
The incident unfolded under the jurisdiction of the Purba Jadavpur PS following a dispute surrounding an alleged extramarital affair involving a female employee at the processing unit. Suspecting that another factory worker had facilitated the woman’s extramarital relationship and eventual elopement, the woman’s husband approached the local BJP booth president – Samit Mullick - of Chhit Kalikapur instead of filing an official police complaint.
According to cops, the party neta promised to settle the matter privately. On Aug 11 afternoon, the booth worker, accompanied by several associates, arrived at the factory premises and forcibly removed the targeted worker to a remote spot under the pretext of holding a discussion with him. The worker was then subjected to physical violence outside the facility before being dragged into a nearby neighbourhood club.
Once locked inside the club premises, the victim was allegedly assaulted with wooden sticks. The group then demanded money from him, forcing the worker to digitally transfer Rs 1,500 to a specified account as a “fine” before he was granted release.
The victim reported the incident to the processing unit’s employer, who lodged a formal complaint with the Purba Jadavpur police.
Police registered a case charging the primary suspect and four accomplices with extortion, illegal confinement, and criminal assault.
Cops arrested the booth president on Aug 14. Police are currently conducting raids to trace and apprehend the four remaining suspects who fled after the incident.
The local BJP has distanced itself from the incident stating they are ascertaining if the accused ever was even a part of BJP organization in the area. “We will not allow anyone to use the party’s name in such a manner. The law will take its course. If he is indeed a party member, severe action will follow,