Kolkata, June 29: Shams Iqbal, a former Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation, was arrested on charges of extortion on Monday. However, he was granted bail just hours later by a city court.
The police from the Garden Reach area apprehended Iqbal in the morning, but the court released him after the complainant withdrew the case. He was granted bail on a personal bond of ₹1,000. According to police reports, the case was resolved after both parties reached an agreement.
Iqbal previously served as a councillor for Ward No. 134 and is considered close to former mayor and minister Firhad Hakim. He faces allegations of extorting ₹7 million from a businessman. Multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC) and the Arms Act were invoked against him, including non-bailable charges. The swift resolution of the case led to his bail.
Iqbal is also known for his lavish lifestyle, frequently sharing photos with celebrities and his wife during foreign trips on social media. He once arrived at the KMC headquarters in a luxury car worth millions, which sparked considerable discussion. He has been seen sharing the stage with Firhad Hakim at various public events.
The allegations state that Iqbal extorted ₹7 million from a businessman in the Garden Reach area under the pretext of allowing him to operate his business without issues. The complainant, identified as Mohammad Shadab, filed a report at the Garden Reach police station.
According to the complaint, Iqbal and his associates began collecting money from Shadab in June 2023, insisting that he must pay to conduct business without hassle. The complainant claims he was threatened with death for refusing to pay. Out of fear, he delayed reporting the matter to the police. The complaint also mentions that he was coerced into paying more money at gunpoint on several occasions.
Based on Shadab’s complaint, the police registered an FIR against Iqbal. Others, including Mohammad Faraz and Firoz Quraishi, were also named as co-accused, as they reportedly wielded significant influence in the area.
Charges of extortion and threats have been filed against Iqbal under the relevant sections of the IPC, along with a case under the Arms Act. Following the complainant’s settlement, it remains to be seen whether the charges against him will persist.
The arrest of several TMC councillors has occurred since the party’s defeat in the state assembly elections, with many facing allegations of extortion, harassment, and threats. It is claimed that individuals who previously hesitated to file complaints due to fear are now coming forward to report incidents to the police.
Leave a Comment