A Trinamool Congress councillor of Baharampur municipality was arrested on Saturday night in connection with an alleged clash during election campaigning earlier this year. The arrested leader, Vishmadeb Karmakar, is the councillor of Ward No. 19 and also the president of Murshidabad district Youth Trinamool.
Police said he will be produced before the Baharampur Chief Judicial Magistrate's court on Sunday.
The case is linked to an incident that took place on April 3 during election campaigning in Ward No. 19 of Baharampur municipality. Tension had broken out between Trinamool Congress and Congress workers in the area. Allegations were raised at the time that Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury faced obstruction and harassment while campaigning.
Clash during campaign led to complaint
According to Congress leaders, Trinamool supporters blocked roads and got involved in arguments and scuffles during the campaign. The party had alleged that Vishmadeb Karmakar and his supporters created obstacles and assaulted Congress workers.
Also Read | CM Suvendu Adhikari updates profile picture with PM Narendra Modi after swearing-in
Trinamool Congress had denied the allegations at that time.
Following the incident, Adhir Chowdhury submitted written complaints to the Election Commission, the Murshidabad district magistrate and Baharampur police station.
Police have now taken action in the case after the recent political change in the state.
Arrest and reaction
Vishmadeb Karmakar was arrested by Baharampur police late on Saturday night. While being taken to court, he reacted to the arrest and said, "I have worked for Trinamool Congress and for the student and youth organisations. Today, those who are in power are getting me arrested."
Also Read | Bengal braces for weather swing as thunderstorms hit South, heavy rain threat looms over North Bengal
Baharampur police station IC Subhashis Ghosh said the councillor was arrested on charges related to obstructing election campaigning and creating tension in the area.
Police officials said the investigation into the incident is continuing.
