Police have arrested Kalicharan Banerjee, a close aide of former Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) Mayor Firhad Hakim, in connection with an extortion case registered at Shakespeare Sarani Police Station in 2024. The arrest comes amid heightened scrutiny following the Taratala warehouse collapse, bringing renewed focus on alleged irregularities within the KMC.
Kalicharan, widely known as “Kali” in administrative and political circles, had long been associated with controversies linked to municipal recruitment, the awarding of multi-crore tenders, and approvals for allegedly illegal high-rise constructions during the tenure of the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) administration.
The issue gained fresh political traction after Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari raised the matter in the State Assembly. Holding up a file in the House on Thursday, he alleged, “No building plan gets approved in the Kolkata Municipal Corporation without Kali’s say-so,” triggering strong reactions across political and bureaucratic circles. Though he did not mention the full name explicitly, the reference to Hakim’s influential Officer on Special Duty (OSD) was widely understood.
Kalicharan’s proximity to Hakim has been a subject of political debate for years. During earlier controversies, Hakim had defended him in the Assembly, suggesting that complaints against Kali could have been addressed directly. However, the latest developments have placed the former mayor under renewed pressure.
An academically distinguished officer, Kalicharan secured the second rank in the West Bengal Civil Service (WBCS) examination in 2003 and began his career in the Land and Land Reforms Department. He later topped the West Bengal Police Service (WBPS) examination in 2006 but left the force during training and returned to administrative service.
His rise within the KMC began around 2010, when he joined on deputation and became the Personal Assistant to Firhad Hakim, then a powerful Member, Mayor-in-Council. Over the next eight years, he played a key behind-the-scenes role in managing both political and administrative affairs.
Following the resignation of then Mayor Sovan Chatterjee in 2018, Hakim assumed office as Mayor and subsequently appointed Kalicharan as his Officer on Special Duty—an influential post within the municipal framework. Since then, sources suggest his authority within the corporation has grown significantly, with his decisions carrying considerable weight.
The Chief Minister has indicated that the ongoing investigation into the Taratala collapse could unravel a series of alleged irregularities related to illegal building plan approvals. Addressing the Assembly, she warned, “No one will be spared,” signaling a tough stance as the probe progresses.
Adding to the political pressure, TMC MLA Kunal Ghosh made a pointed remark, questioning Kalicharan’s influence.
“I have heard he functioned as an ‘Executive Mayor.’ I do not know if such a post exists in the Constitution. The Chief Minister has said everything will come to light once he is caught,” Ghosh stated, adding, “Pull the ear, and the head follows.”
With Kalicharan now in custody, investigators are expected to probe deeper into alleged corruption, particularly in relation to construction approvals and administrative decision-making within the KMC. The developments have intensified the political fallout from the Taratala tragedy, with further revelations likely in the days ahead.
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