Kolkata, June 21 -- In a dramatic turn of events, the police on Sunday arrested Ila Bagchi, a prominent TMC leader and president of the Gaighata Panchayat Samiti in North 24-Parganas, following severe allegations of domestic violence and dowry harassment.
After the arrest, while she was being taken to the police station, eggs were thrown at her. The police action followed a formal complaint lodged by Ila's daughter-in-law, Arpita Biswas of Simulpur, who got married to the TMC leader's son, Rahul Bagchi. The complainant alleged that about a year after her marriage, she started living at her maternal house as Arpita's husband allegedly used to assault her in an intoxicated condition, while Ila used to pressurise her for more dowry.
According to law enforcement officials, Arpita accused the senior TMC leader of persistent physical abuse, mental torture and continuous pressure to bring more dowry. The complainant further alleged that the Bagchi family used their influential political position to intimidate her as well.
At Raina in East Burdwan, another TMC leader identified as Bamdeb Mondal was arrested for his alleged involvement in extortion and threatening by brandishing arms. Mondal, the former president of TMC Raina block 1, had joined the TMC from CPI(M) several years ago. As soon as the news of his arrest spread, strong reactions erupted throughout the region.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.