West Bengal Police’s Special Task Force (STF) on Monday arrested Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Jahangir Khan from the Nepal border region. According to police sources, the arrest was made while he was allegedly attempting to leave the country and enter Nepal. He is being brought to Kolkata for questioning.
The action follows multiple criminal cases registered in the Falta area of South 24 Parganas district. Police records show that seven FIRs have been registered against Jahangir Khan, including allegations described as serious in nature.
Media reports have claimed that supporters of Jahangir Khan were accused of threatening women with gang rape during the election period. However, West Bengal Police has not officially confirmed these allegations.
According to police sources, the investigation is ongoing and all allegations are being examined. Authorities said questioning following the arrest could bring additional facts to light.
Jahangir Khan contested the 2026 West Bengal Assembly election as the TMC candidate from the Falta constituency, which has long been considered politically sensitive.
Several complaints of irregularities were reported during the election process, leading to a re-poll in the constituency on May 21. Forty-eight hours before the re-poll, Jahangir Khan announced that he was withdrawing from the electoral contest and abandoning his candidature.
Election results were declared on May 24, and Jahangir Khan was defeated. Reports said he was not seen publicly after the results and was absent from both his residence and party office. His last recorded public appearance was on May 19, when he announced his withdrawal from the election during a press conference.
In May 2026, Jahangir Khan filed a petition before the Calcutta High Court seeking details of the cases registered against him and protection from arrest.
He alleged that new criminal cases were being continuously filed against him and that political pressure was being exerted. He had earlier received court protection in a 2019 case, but that protection was subsequently withdrawn.
During the election campaign, Jahangir Khan drew attention for a campaign style inspired by the film “Pushpa.” At several rallies, he delivered dialogues associated with the film’s lead character, including “Pushpa jhukega nahi saala.” His campaign style gained significant attention on social media and later became the subject of controversy.
Reports said the Bharatiya Janata Party candidate won the Falta Assembly seat by a large margin. Jahangir Khan secured 7,783 votes and finished fourth in the constituency.
Several complaints of irregularities during polling were reported in the Falta constituency. Allegations included tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) and discrepancies in web camera footage at some polling stations.
Election officials inspected multiple polling centres, and indications of irregularities were reportedly found in at least 60 booths. A detailed investigation into the matter remains ongoing.
The allegations of violence and intimidation during the election period heightened political tensions in the area. Following Jahangir Khan’s arrest, police and administrative authorities are maintaining heightened vigilance to prevent any law-and-order issues.
