A dramatic late-night police raid in Canning, South 24 Parganas, and the arrest of an influential Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader have intensified political tensions in the area. The accused, Uttam Das, is the elder brother of TMC MLA Pareshram Das and currently serves as the President of the Canning-I Panchayat Samiti.
The operation was carried out late on Friday night by personnel from the Canning Police Station with the support of central security forces. According to investigators, Uttam is facing several serious charges, including illegal possession of firearms, criminal intimidation, assault, and instigation of violence.
Police sources stated that the raid was conducted based on specific intelligence inputs. Officials further alleged that the police team encountered resistance while attempting to arrest the accused.
However, the family of the arrested leader and local TMC representatives have strongly condemned the police action, accusing law enforcement agencies of excessive force and politically motivated targeting.
Family members alleged that police personnel forcibly entered their residence in the middle of the night without provocation and took Uttam into custody. They also claimed that women members of the household were assaulted when they tried to protest the arrest.
Allegations of indiscriminate lathi-charge by both police and central security personnel have further escalated tensions in the area.
Reacting sharply to the incident, Canning West MLA Das accused the police of acting in an undemocratic and high-handed manner. He said his elder brother could have been summoned legally during daytime if there were complaints against him.
“The way the house was surrounded at midnight and women inside were harassed and beaten cannot be accepted in a democratic society,” the MLA alleged. He further claimed that the legal sections imposed against Uttam Das were “illogical” and politically motivated.
According to police sources, the case against Uttam is linked to violent incidents that took place on May 4, the day election results were declared. Widespread unrest and firing reportedly broke out in the Canning area that evening, leaving a BJP worker seriously injured.
During the subsequent investigation, police allegedly found evidence suggesting Uttam was the “mastermind” behind the violence. Investigators also accused him of creating an atmosphere of fear in the locality over an extended period and intimidating residents and political opponents.
The Canning Police Station has registered a case against him under multiple non-bailable sections, including provisions of the Arms Act, assault, criminal intimidation, and conspiracy-related offenses.
Also read: Clean energy, trade talks in focus during PM's Amsterdam visit
Follow us
