Kolkata Police Arrest Two Former CPM Leaders Over Tollygunge College Scam

The detective department of Kolkata Police has arrested two former CPM leaders in connection with alleged financial irregularities at a private educational institution in Tollygunge. The arrested individuals have been identified as Gautam Bandopadhyay and Partha Pratim Das, both former members of the CPM's Kolkata district leadership. The action followed a formal complaint lodged by an individual named Arnab Sikdar, bringing fresh attention to the internal affairs of the kolkata cpm party.

According to the allegations, the financial misappropriation occurred while both leaders were associated with the governing body of the Calcutta Institute of Engineering and Management. Bandopadhyay served as the secretary of the institution, while Das held the same position prior to him. It was also alleged that a loan of Rs 14 crore was secured from a Howrah branch of a public sector bank using the credentials of the college during the same timeframe. The scandal previously triggered a severe internal crisis within the party, prompting the state committee to form an inquiry commission.

Two former CPM leaders were arrested by Kolkata Police over a multi-crore college financial scam.

Following the inquiry report, the party's state secretariat initially suspended both members for six months and directed them to relinquish their college posts. Bandopadhyay was also asked to step down from his role as the secretary of the CPM's Tollygunge-I area committee. Despite these directives, the controversy persisted as the two figures allegedly failed to severe ties with the educational institution. Consequently, the CPM's Kolkata district committee expelled both leaders in June 2023, a decision subsequently endorsed by the state committee and formally announced at a general meeting.

Why it matters

The arrests highlight the lingering legal and administrative consequences of alleged financial misconduct within educational institutions. This development follows months after local political figures raised the issue in the Assembly, bringing accountability concerns to the forefront for local stakeholders and institutional employees.

Traffic and Administrative Updates

Authorities have also noted concurrent enforcement actions, registering multiple cases for traffic violations, including reckless driving and driving under the influence of alcohol. Police officials emphasized that these safety operations will continue across the region.