West Bengal Police and Noida Police issued sharply conflicting accounts this week after a failed attempt to arrest a suspect linked to a forged chat controversy involving Trinamool Congress (TMC) MP Mahua Moitra, culminating in a public clash between the two forces and the accused escaping custody.

The dispute began on Monday when a four‑member team from West Bengal’s Krishnanagar police travelled to Noida on a court order from Nadia district to arrest a man wanted in connection with the alleged circulation of private chats purported to be between Moitra and political strategist Prashant Kishor that were widely shared on social media.

According to the West Bengal Police, the team located and detained the suspect at his residence in Noida early Monday but was soon interrupted by a contingent of Noida Police personnel, said to include around 10–15 officers. The Bengal force alleges that during preparations to formalize the arrest, the Noida officers brought them to a local police station, where they were held for nearly 90 minutes. During that time, the suspect reportedly fled the scene and remains at large.

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West Bengal Police officials assert they were not given adequate explanation for the intervention and that tensions escalated into an argument before senior officers from both states intervened and facilitated the Bengal team’s departure. They maintain that the accused escaped due to the actions of the Noida officers.

In contrast, the Noida Police have denied any obstruction, stating that the Bengal team arrived without prior notification and that local officers sought time to coordinate the operation according to proper protocols. The Noida Police also noted that the suspect was not found at the premises when a coordinated search was eventually conducted and that they provided full support during the joint effort.

The case stems from a complaint filed by Moitra in Nadia, alleging that fake and fabricated chat messages circulating online had damaged her reputation. A local court subsequently issued an arrest warrant after the suspect did not comply with an earlier notice to appear before investigators.

With the suspect still unapprehended, senior officials from both police forces are reportedly in discussions to clarify procedural misunderstandings and avoid future clashes as the investigation into the forged chat messages continues.

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