Former North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha was arrested from his residence in the Phulbagan area of Kolkata on Wednesday by the Cooch Behar district police in connection with an old case. Following his arrest, he was taken to the Phulbagan Police Station, where initial legal formalities were completed.

Police sources indicated that Guha may be taken to North Bengal after the completion of procedural requirements. The arrest is linked to an ongoing investigation into multiple allegations, including incidents of post-poll violence in Cooch Behar district following the 2021 Assembly elections and the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. Investigators are examining whether Guha had any direct or indirect involvement in these incidents.

Fourth minister arrested

With this development, the number of ministers from the previous TMC-led government arrested so far has risen to four. Earlier, Sujit Bose was arrested by a central agency, while Dilip Mondal and Ujjal Biswas were taken into custody by the state police.

A prominent political figure from the Dinhata constituency in Cooch Behar, Guha had served as the Minister for North Bengal Development. After losing to a BJP candidate in the Assembly elections, he relocated to Kolkata, where he has reportedly been residing since.

Sources further revealed that, apart from the post-poll violence cases, investigations into several corruption-related allegations against Guha are also underway. However, officials have not confirmed whether these probes are directly linked to his current arrest.

Guha questions legality

Following his detention, Guha questioned the legality of the police action, claiming that he had already secured anticipatory bail in the case. He alleged that the arrest was unlawful and said he would challenge the matter legally.

The Cooch Behar district police have refrained from making detailed comments, citing the ongoing nature of the investigation. Officials, however, stated that the arrest was carried out based on available evidence and case records.

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