TMC leader and former North Bengal Development Minister Udayan Guha was arrested by Cooch Behar police from his flat in Phoolbagan area of Kolkata on Wednesday. Police had been looking for the former MLA for several days in connection with cases of extortion, cheating, and post-poll violence.
According to reports, Guha was taken to Phoolbagan police station after his arrest. He is expected to be produced in court and later taken to Cooch Behar on transit remand. During the arrest, the former minister claimed he did not know the reason for his detention.
Udayan Guha, who was a powerful leader in North Bengal and handled organisational responsibilities for TMC in Cooch Behar, lost the assembly election from Dinhata to BJP candidate Rajay Ray in 2026 elections. After the defeat, he was staying in his Kolkata residence. He had not been seen much in public since then.
Several cases are registered against him. One major allegation is that he collected crores of rupees in the name of a children’s unit in a government hospital. Complainant Rupam Saha alleged that around 20-25 crore rupees were raised for the Shishu Mangal Samiti project, but very little work was done. There are also accusations of collecting cut money from Awas Yojana schemes and involvement in post-poll violence cases.
BJP MLA Ajay Roy from Dinhata welcomed the arrest and said many cases, including the murder of a BJP worker Ratan Barman, extortion, and post-poll violence, are pending against Guha. He demanded strict punishment.
Guha’s arrest adds to the list of former TMC leaders facing legal action after the change in government in the state. Police are expected to take him to North Bengal soon for further investigation.
