NEW DELHI: West Bengal Police have arrested Sarina Bibi, wife of jailed former Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir Khan, for allegedly orchestrating an attack on Falta police station and attempting to secure her husband’s release from custody.Police said Sarina Bibi was arrested in connection with the June 17 incident, during which supporters of Khan allegedly tried to storm the police station. More than 25 people have been arrested so far in the case.Also read: TMC leader Jahangir Khan, who contested from Falta, arrested near Nepal borderThe arrest comes days after police claimed that Bibi had mobilised hundreds of supporters to protest against Khan’s arrest and planned an attempt to forcibly free him from custody.According to investigators, around 400 supporters gathered in Falta’s Shatol Kolsa area on June 17 and staged a demonstration before marching towards the police station. Acting on intelligence inputs, police and central forces were deployed in advance to prevent any attempt to attack the station.Also read: 8 arrested after bid to free Jahangir ‘Pushpa’ Khan from Falta police custody”We had information that a section of the crowd was planning to attack the police station during the demonstration and snatch away the accused. Adequate security arrangements were made beforehand, and timely action by police and central forces prevented any such attempt,” a senior police officer had said. Investigators alleged that the demonstrators intended to forcibly secure Khan’s release and create unrest in the area. An FIR was subsequently registered against Bibi, whom police described as the alleged mastermind behind the plan.The latest arrest is part of an ongoing crackdown on the network of Jahangir Khan, popularly known as “Pushpa”, who was arrested near the India-Nepal border on June 8.Khan, a former Trinamool Congress strongman from Falta, became a controversial figure during the West Bengal Assembly elections after allegations of irregularities in the constituency led to a repoll. He had withdrawn from the contest shortly before voting, though his name remained on the ballot.His arrest came weeks after the Calcutta High Court refused to extend interim protection granted to him in five FIRs. Khan had approached the court seeking protection from arrest, alleging that multiple criminal cases were being filed against him.The politician earned the nickname “Pushpa” after comparing himself to the character portrayed by actor Allu Arjun in the blockbuster Telugu film franchise. During the election campaign, he referred to himself as “Pushpa” in response to Election Commission-appointed police observer Ajay Pal Sharma being likened to the “Singham” character from the popular Bollywood films.Khan is facing multiple charges, including extortion. Since his arrest, police have carried out a series of operations in Falta aimed at dismantling his alleged criminal network and restoring law and order in the region.Police said the investigation into the June 17 incident is continuing and further arrests have not been ruled out.
