KOLKATA: Eight individuals have been arrested for allegedly attempting to storm the Falta police station in West Bengal's South 24 Parganas district to secure the release of jailed Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Jahangir Khan. A senior police officer stated on Wednesday that Khan's wife is suspected to be the mastermind behind the plan.
Demonstration and Security Measures
The arrests followed a demonstration on Tuesday protesting Khan's arrest. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, police and central forces were deployed in advance to prevent any attack on the police station, the officer said. "We had information that a section of the crowd was planning to attack the police station during the demonstration and snatch away the accused. Adequate security arrangements were made beforehand, and timely action by police and central forces prevented any such attempt," he added.
Protest and Escalation
Supporters of Khan, who is currently in judicial custody, gathered in large numbers in Falta's Shatol Kolsa area and staged a protest before marching towards the police station. Investigators alleged that the demonstrators intended to forcibly secure Khan's release and create unrest in the area. Tension escalated as the crowd moved from outside Khan's residence towards the police station.
Allegations Against Khan's Wife
Police claimed that Khan's wife had been mobilizing supporters since Monday. An FIR has been registered against her in relation to the incident. According to investigators, multiple complaints against Khan's wife have surfaced during the course of the probe. The officer said further legal action, including her possible arrest, may follow depending on the findings of the investigation.
Viral Videos and Background
Videos purportedly showing protesters fleeing and jumping into nearby water bodies while being chased by police surfaced on social media and went viral. Khan, who called himself 'Pushpa' after the Allu Arjun-starrer Telugu blockbuster, was arrested near the India-Nepal border in north Bengal on June 8 after being booked under several charges, including extortion.
Ongoing Investigation
Since his arrest, police have carried out a series of operations in Falta to dismantle his alleged criminal network and restore law and order in the area. Police said the investigation is continuing and further arrests cannot be ruled out.
