Ex-TMC MLA's Son Arrested for Assault, Extortion; Eggs Thrown at Police Station
The West Bengal Police on Monday arrested Tirthankar Ghosh, son of former Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Nirmal Ghosh, from the Dakshineswar area in connection with two criminal cases. Tirthankar was a TMC candidate for the Panihati constituency in the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections but lost to the BJP candidate, who is the mother of the RG Kar rape and murder victim.
Tirthankar has been charged with assault, extortion, criminal intimidation, attempted murder, and illegal display of firearms. The police produced him before a court, which granted six days' police custody. The arrest comes amid ongoing investigations into post-poll violence that occurred after the 2021 elections.
The first case against him relates to widespread post-poll violence across West Bengal following the 2021 Assembly elections. Complaints were filed against both Tirthankar and his father, Nirmal Ghosh, alleging they orchestrated violent attacks on BJP workers. The second case involves separate allegations of extortion and intimidation.
Outside the police station where Tirthankar was produced, a small group of individuals hurled eggs at him. Police personnel quickly intervened, and no injuries were reported. The incident highlights the tense political atmosphere in the state.
The court has directed the police to complete the investigation within the custody period. Tirthankar's lawyer stated that the allegations are politically motivated and that his client will seek bail at the appropriate time. Further hearings are scheduled for next week.
