TMC MLA Paresh Ram Das arrested at Kolkata airport in rape, extortion and post-poll violence cases

The police detained Paresh Ram Das as he arrived at Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport on the morning of November 9. He was booked under sections of the Indian Penal Code that relate to sexual assault, extortion and participation in violent incidents that occurred after the recent state elections. The arrest was carried out by a special team of investigators who had been monitoring the case for several weeks, and the MLA was produced before a magistrate within hours of his detention.

The Trinamool Congress, which holds a majority in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, has repeatedly denied any wrongdoing by its members. Party officials released a statement asserting that Das is innocent until proven guilty and that the legal process must be allowed to run its course. Opposition parties, however, have seized on the arrest as evidence of alleged corruption and criminality within the ruling party, calling for a thorough inquiry and stricter oversight of elected officials.

Legal experts note that the charges could lead to a prolonged court battle, given the seriousness of the allegations and the political sensitivity of the case. If Das is convicted, he could face disqualification from the assembly and a possible prison term, which would affect the party's strength in the state legislature. Observers suggest that the outcome may influence public sentiment ahead of the next electoral cycle, making the proceedings a focal point for both regional and national media.