Trinamool MLA Paresh Ram Das arrested on charges of rape and extortion
Trinamool Congress MLA Paresh Ram Das was arrested at Kolkata airport on charges including rape and extortion. The arrest has sparked political controversy, with loyalists of former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee claiming the move is politically motivated by the ruling BJP government.
Why it matters
The arrest highlights ongoing political instability and allegations of weaponized law enforcement in West Bengal following the 2026 assembly elections.
KOLKATA Mamata All India Trinamool Congress MLA Paresh Ram Das was arrested on Monday (November 9, 2026) from Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Police said there were several charges against the Canning Paschim MLA including extortion and rape. According to police sources, the Special Operations Group (SOG) of Baruipur district police began tracking the MLA after receiving information that he was heading to Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport. Mr. Das had defeated his nearest rival, BJP candidate from Canning Paschim by a margin of over 40,000 votes. The team subsequently contacted the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate, following which the MLA was arrested. Mr. Das is among the handful of MLAs that have remained with former Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Also covering this story
One other newsroom covered this event. We read that version too.
Get smarter about the news
Sign up free for a feed built around what you actually care about, Dive Deeper research on any story, and the full text of every article.
Create free accountAlready have an account? Sign in