West Bengal Police have arrested Sarina Bibi, the wife of Trinamool Congress strongman Jahangir Khan, in connection with an alleged attack on police personnel and central security forces during a violent protest at Falta police station. The arrest was made on Saturday morning, two days after demonstrators allegedly attempted to free Jahangir Khan from police custody following his detention earlier this month.
According to police sources, Sarina Bibi, 37, allegedly led the protest that turned violent outside the police station. Authorities said 27 people have so far been arrested in connection with the incident, which involved clashes with security personnel and an alleged attempt to obstruct law enforcement officials from carrying out their duties. Jahangir Khan has remained in custody since June 8 after being arrested near the Nepal border while allegedly attempting to flee the country.
Police officials claim the protest was triggered by anger over the public parading of Jahangir Khan through the streets of Falta with a rope tied around his waist following his arrest. Investigators believe Sarina Bibi played a key role in organising the demonstration and mobilising supporters to demand her husband's release. Police have reportedly paraded Khan on multiple occasions since taking him into custody.
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State authorities have taken a strong stance on the incident, with Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari directing that a case be registered against Sarina Bibi on charges related to anti-state activities linked to the protest and the alleged attack on police personnel. Addressing a public meeting in Falta earlier, the Chief Minister warned of strict legal action against those involved, including the possible confiscation of properties, while stressing the importance of maintaining the rule of law.
Jahangir Khan, considered a close aide of Trinamool Congress general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, has long been a prominent political figure in Falta, which falls under the Diamond Harbour Lok Sabha constituency. He drew national attention during the Assembly elections after a public confrontation with IPS officer Ajay Pal Sharma. Voting in Falta was subsequently cancelled amid allegations of widespread electoral irregularities, with Khan contesting as the Trinamool candidate.
In a dramatic turn during the election campaign, Jahangir Khan withdrew from the contest shortly before the repoll, paving the way for the BJP to register a record victory in the constituency. He has also been under the scrutiny of enforcement agencies over allegations of intimidation and attempts at election fraud. Police investigations into the Falta protest and the attack on security personnel are continuing, with authorities indicating that further arrests cannot be ruled out.
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