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In a fresh controversy ahead of elections in West Bengal, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader has been arrested over alleged remarks seen as threatening voters. Nirmal Dutta, a former councillor from Bidhannagar, was taken into custody by police following a complaint and later remanded to judicial custody till April 24 by a local court.

The arrest, made by Bidhannagar South police, comes after a video clip, purportedly featuring Dutta, went viral on social media, sparking outrage and political debate.

Viral Video Triggers Action

According to police, the action was initiated in line with Election Commission of India (ECI) guidelines after the video surfaced online. In the clip, a person, claimed to be Dutta, though its authenticity has not been independently verified, is heard suggesting that voter details linked to Aadhaar and voter ID cards could be accessed to track voting behaviour.

The remarks, made during a public meeting in support of TMC leader Sujit Bose, were widely interpreted as an attempt to intimidate voters. Authorities noted that such statements could violate the principle of ballot secrecy, a cornerstone of India’s democratic process.

Police Summons, Arrest

Dutta was summoned to the Bidhannagar South police station earlier in the day. Following questioning, he was arrested based on the complaint and produced before a Bidhannagar court.

The court subsequently ordered that he be kept in judicial custody until April 24.

The controversy has intensified political tensions in the region, with allegations that the remarks sought to instil fear among voters. The issue has also raised concerns over the protection of voters’ democratic rights, particularly the confidentiality of their choices at the ballot box.

Notably, Dutta’s wife, Aalo Dutta, is a serving councillor in Bidhannagar.