West Bengal Police on Saturday arrested Sarina Bibi, the wife of jailed Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir Khan, in connection with the violent protests that erupted in Falta earlier this week over her husband's arrest. Police officials alleged that Bibi played a central role in organising the agitation and was involved in a plan to mobilise supporters towards Falta police station in an attempt to secure Khan's release from custody.
The 37-year-old was arrested from South 24 Parganas after allegedly remaining out of sight following the June 16 protest. Investigators claim she was one of the principal organisers of the demonstration that later turned confrontational.
The protest began with a gathering of Khan's supporters demanding his release. According to police, the crowd subsequently marched towards Falta police station, where tensions escalated as protesters attempted to approach the premises. Police personnel, assisted by Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel, intervened before the crowd could reach the station and dispersed the gathering.
Videos that later surfaced on social media appeared to show protesters fleeing through nearby fields and water bodies while being pursued by security personnel. The authenticity of the footage could not be independently verified. According to reports, a case was registered against Bibi following the incident, accusing her of orchestrating the mobilisation and attempting to create unrest in the area.
With Bibi's arrest, the number of people taken into custody in connection with the Falta violence has risen significantly. At least 27 individuals have been arrested so far in relation to the protest and the alleged attack on police personnel and central forces. Investigators claim the protest was fuelled by anger over the arrest and subsequent public parading of Khan after he was taken into custody earlier this month. According to the police, Sarina Bibi was particularly aggrieved by the manner in which her husband was escorted through Falta with a rope tied around his waist during police operations conducted after his arrest.
The arrest comes amid an ongoing crackdown on Khan's alleged network in the region. Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had earlier warned that stringent action would be taken against those involved in the attack on the police station and security personnel. "They must be punished so that no one can dare to attack police, government employees or paramilitary forces again," Adhikari said during a public meeting earlier this week. The Chief Minister had also directed police to initiate legal proceedings against those allegedly involved in the unrest and warned that properties belonging to accused individuals could be attached if necessary.
Jahangir Khan was arrested by the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) near the India-Nepal border on June 8 while allegedly attempting to flee the country after remaining absconding for several weeks. A controversial figure in South 24 Parganas politics, Khan faces multiple criminal cases, including allegations linked to electoral malpractice during the Assembly elections. Investigators have accused him of involvement in attempts to tamper with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs) by placing tape over BJP election symbols in the Falta constituency.
He had been fielded by the Trinamool Congress from Falta but withdrew from the contest shortly before polling. The constituency later witnessed widespread controversy, including allegations of electoral irregularities and the eventual ordering of a repoll. Police records indicate that at least seven FIRs have been registered against Khan at Falta police station. Authorities say multiple operations have been carried out in Falta since Khan's arrest as part of efforts to dismantle his alleged criminal network and restore normalcy in the area.
