Kolkata, June 7: A Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor, Mohammad Jasimuddin, was arrested on Sunday for allegedly harassing a minor. This incident marks the eighth arrest of TMC councillors from the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) since the government change in the state.
Jasimuddin represents Ward 39 in the Jorasanko area of central Kolkata. He was taken into custody at his home after police and central forces surrounded the property. Reports indicate that he refused to open the door for several hours. Eventually, police had to force entry and apprehend him. Tensions escalated in the area, with supporters protesting outside, while BJP activists joined in, throwing eggs at the arrested councillor.
According to police, Jasimuddin faces charges under the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act of 2012 and various sections of the Indian Penal Code (IPC).
Local sources revealed that Jasimuddin’s associates were previously involved in harassing a minor girl three years ago, who is now a college student. Recently, she was reportedly threatened to withdraw her complaint. Following this, her family filed another complaint at the Jorasanko police station. In connection with this case, one of Jasimuddin’s close associates was arrested last night, and police have filed charges against five individuals, including the councillor.
By 6 AM on Sunday, Jorasanko police officials had arrived at Jasimuddin’s residence, with central forces cordoning off the area. It was alleged that the collapsible gate of the house was locked from the inside, and no one responded to police calls. A locksmith was eventually summoned to unlock the door, allowing police to extract Jasimuddin, who was met by a crowd of supporters and BJP workers outside.
Jasimuddin previously belonged to the CPI(M) before joining TMC in 2015, winning two consecutive elections on their ticket. TMC sources indicate that he was a close associate of former MLA Vivek Gupta. Discontent within the party has reportedly been growing against him, especially after Gupta was denied a ticket in this year’s assembly elections. Following the BJP’s rise to power, dissatisfaction around Jasimuddin has also increased.
Another TMC councillor, Bappaditya Dasgupta, was arrested on Saturday night for extortion charges in Patuli. Although he was previously with the BJP, he joined TMC in 2010 with the help of former minister Partha Chatterjee. Dasgupta also served as the chief whip for TMC councillors in KMC.
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