SYNDICATE LAW INVOKED AGAINST FORMER TMC COUNCILLOR DEBRAJ CHAKRABORTY

September 25, 2026

KOLKATA: A Barasat court has framed charges against former Trinamool Congress councillor Debraj Chakraborty in cases involving allegations of extortion from real-estate developers and operation of an organised syndicate.

A key feature of the proceedings is the application of the new syndicate-crime provision, which covers offences including extortion, land grabbing, kidnapping, robbery, contract killing and human trafficking. Police sources said this could be the first case in West Bengal in which charges have been framed under the provision.

Investigators have alleged that Chakraborty was linked to an organised network that collected money from promoters. Police have filed multiple chargesheets in the case, including allegations that proceeds of the alleged extortion were routed through bank accounts and transferred to private entities. The prosecution has alleged that the total amount involved exceeded ₹100 crore.

With the charges formally framed, the case will now proceed to trial, with the recording of witness evidence expected to begin next week. Chakraborty, who is the husband of former Rajarhat-Gopalpur MLA Aditi Munshi, was arrested by a joint team of Bidhannagar Police and the state STF on July 1. The allegations remain subject to judicial proceedings.