West Bengal Police Launch Major Crackdown on Drug Trafficking Assets
In a significant enforcement action, the West Bengal Police have commenced the process of freezing and confiscating properties valued at approximately Rs 10.73 crore from Shariful Islam, the father-in-law of the daughter of suspended Trinamool Congress MLA Humayun Kabir. This move follows a court order under the Narcotic Drugs and Psychotropic Substances (NDPS) Act, targeting assets allegedly amassed through illegal drug trafficking activities over the past seven years.
Details of the Property Seizure Operation
The operation, led by the Lalgola police under the Murshidabad police district, is being conducted across multiple areas, including Naldahari in Lalgola. Police sources have reported that a total of 15 properties are slated for confiscation. These assets include:
- Residential houses and commercial shops
- A school building and property rented to a bank
- Mango orchards and lychee orchards
- Farmland and agricultural plots
In addition to these properties, authorities are also targeting 15 bank accounts and two vehicles linked to Shariful Islam. The confiscation process is expected to continue over the next two days, as police work to secure all assets involved in the case.
Allegations of Wealth Accumulation from Drug Trafficking
According to police investigations, Shariful Islam is accused of accumulating substantial wealth through illicit drug trafficking, particularly in the border district of Lalgola, which has been noted for rampant drug-related activities. Dhritiman Sarkar, Superintendent of Police for the Murshidabad police district, emphasized the department's stance, stating, "In the fight against drugs, we are having zero tolerance on those individuals who have created wealth out of this illicit business. We are freezing those properties and subsequent legal action will follow."
A senior police officer further revealed that authorities are probing whether the illicit funds were used exclusively for property acquisitions or diverted for other purposes. This investigation builds on a prior arrest in March 2025, where Ziaur Rahman, a relative of Shariful Islam, was apprehended by Lalgola police for possession of about 500 grams of drugs valued at Rs 2 crore. During that probe, Shariful Islam's name surfaced, leading to the current allegations of his involvement in drug trafficking.
Political Reactions and Controversies
The case has sparked political tensions, with Humayun Kabir, the suspended TMC MLA, alleging that the police action is a deliberate attempt to harass his family. Kabir claimed, "My daughter's father-in-law has no relation with the person named Ziaur Rahman after whom the police have started this case. That person is a distant relative. After I formed a new political party on December 22, 2025, this false case was started by the police to deliberately 'discredit' my family." Kabir, who was suspended from the TMC in December 2025 after announcing plans to construct a mosque resembling the Babri Masjid in Beldanga, has also reported instances of police loitering near his daughter's marital home, which he describes as harassment.
In response, TMC Spokesperson Arup Chakraborty defended the police action, asserting, "No one is above the law. The action is being taken in accordance with the court order; no one is above the court. The allegations regarding drugs and narcotics are very serious." Chakraborty also questioned the silence of the BJP, suggesting potential behind-the-scenes support for Kabir, given the party's usual demands for Enforcement Directorate probes in such cases.
Broader Implications and Ongoing Investigations
This case highlights the ongoing efforts by West Bengal Police to combat drug trafficking and related economic offenses in the region. The confiscation of properties represents a critical step in disrupting the financial networks that sustain illegal drug trade. As the legal proceedings advance, further details may emerge regarding the extent of Shariful Islam's alleged involvement and any potential connections to broader criminal networks.
Authorities continue to monitor the situation closely, with the possibility of additional seizures or arrests as the investigation unfolds. The case underscores the challenges in addressing drug trafficking in border areas and the complex interplay between law enforcement actions and political dynamics in West Bengal.
