Former Ministers Brother Arrested for Extortion in Kolkata Film Industry Scandal

Kolkata, June 5: In a significant development in West Bengal’s political and film industry landscape, Swaroop Biswas, brother of former Sports Minister Arup Biswas, faces serious legal troubles. A lower court in Kolkata has ordered him to be held in police custody for 14 days following his arrest on Thursday night.

Swaroop’s arrest stems from a complaint filed by a female makeup artist associated with an organization representing makeup professionals in the Bengali film, television, and OTT sectors in Tollygunge. The artist alleged that he extorted money from individuals under the pretense of securing jobs in the industry.

The police have charged Swaroop Biswas under Section 308 (extortion) and Section 109 (punishment for attempt to murder) of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) 2023. Additionally, he faces charges under Sections 25 and 27 of the Arms Act, 1959, related to the illegal possession and use of weapons and ammunition.

During the court proceedings on Friday, government lawyer Sourin Ghoshal emphasized the need for thorough questioning, citing Swaroop’s influential status as the brother of a former state minister. According to the complaint, he allegedly collected ₹50,000 from approximately 50 individuals by falsely promising them jobs in the film industry.

Acknowledging the prosecution’s arguments, the court granted a 14-day police custody order for Swaroop Biswas.

This is not the first time Swaroop has been embroiled in controversy. He previously served as the president of the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India for an extended period. His influence within the organization grew significantly after the Trinamool Congress came to power, although he has faced allegations of extorting money from its members over time.

Notably, Swaroop’s name also surfaced in connection with vandalism that occurred during Lionel Messi’s GOAT India Tour at the Yuva Bharati Krirangan in Salt Lake on December 13 of last year. The investigation into that incident is ongoing, and police plan to conduct detailed questioning during his custody.

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