Swarup Biswas, one of the most influential figures in Bengal's film and television industry and former president of the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India (FCTWEI), was arrested late Thursday in connection with allegations of extortion, criminal intimidation and molestation. He was subsequently remanded to police custody.
Biswas, the brother of former West Bengal Sports Minister Aroop Biswas, was arrested by officers of New Alipore Police Station after a woman makeup artist lodged a complaint alleging that she had been asked to pay money in exchange for work opportunities in Tollygunge's film industry.
According to police, the complainant alleged that she had been out of work for nearly two years and approached individuals associated with the industry in search of employment. She claimed she was asked to pay money and was subsequently threatened when she failed to meet the alleged demand.
"We received a written complaint from the victim alleging extortion and criminal intimidation.
Based on the allegations and the preliminary inquiry, Swarup Biswas was arrested," a police officer said according to reports.
The arrest comes against the backdrop of escalating tensions within Tollygunge's film fraternity. For months, a section of technicians and workers had voiced grievances against Biswas and the functioning of the federation he once headed. The dispute intensified this week amid moves to dissolve the existing federation structure, triggering unrest and clashes among rival groups in the studio district.
Biswas was produced at New Alipore Court on Friday.
This is a developing story. More details awaited.
