Trinamool Congress leader Jahangir Khan, who had been absconding for nearly two weeks after multiple criminal cases were registered against him, was arrested by the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) and Darjeeling Police from the Panitanki Bazar area along the India-Nepal border on Sunday.
Khan, a former TMC candidate from Falta who had earned the nickname “Pushpa” during the Assembly election campaign, was wanted in at least seven cases linked to murder, extortion and alleged electoral malpractice.
Investigators said he had gone completely off the radar after losing court protection and was planning to relocate to Nepal with his family.
Changed SIMs, Deleted WhatsApp To Evade Surveillance
According to STF officials, Khan switched off his mobile phones, frequently changed SIM cards and even deleted his WhatsApp account in an attempt to avoid electronic tracking after fleeing Falta, the Times Of India reported.
However, investigators continued monitoring a small circle of trusted associates and family members who remained in contact with him through alternative communication channels.
“By tracking those numbers and analysing his travel patterns, our teams were able to zero in on his location,” TOI quoted an STF officer as saying.
Officials said Khan first took shelter in a hotel in Phansidewa before moving to a house near the international border. Intelligence inputs suggested he had briefly crossed into Nepal and rented accommodation in Kathmandu, where he remained hidden for a few days.
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Planned To Shift Family To Nepal
Investigators believe Khan intended to permanently relocate to Nepal along with his wife and son. He was allegedly exploring options to enrol his son in a school there.
Khan crossed back into India through the Panitanki border route on Sunday morning. STF personnel, who had been tracking his movements, intercepted and arrested him around 2.30 pm, the report said, citing intelligence sources.
Following the arrest, Khan was taken to Phansidewa Police Station under tight security. A large contingent of state police and central forces was deployed at the station before he was produced in a local court and directed to be brought to the Diamond Harbour Police district.
Court Protection Revoked After Falta Re-Poll
The arrest comes weeks after the Election Commission ordered a fresh election in Falta following allegations of violence and polling irregularities during the April 29 vote.
An arrest warrant had been issued against Khan, but the Calcutta High Court granted him temporary protection from arrest on May 18, allowing him to contest the re-poll.
Just 48 hours before the May 21 re-election, Khan withdrew from the contest. A day after polling, a vacation bench of the Calcutta High Court vacated his interim protection, observing that continued legal protection could not be justified merely because of changing political circumstances.
With the protection withdrawn, Khan disappeared, prompting an extensive manhunt by police.
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Falta Celebrates Jahangir’s Arrest
News of Khan’s arrest triggered celebrations in parts of Falta on Monday. Crowds gathered outside his party office, allegedly vandalising furniture, computers and other equipment.
Protesters also reportedly found liquor bottles and government relief materials, including tarpaulins, inside the office premises. Later, some demonstrators marched to Khan’s under-construction residence and damaged parts of the property.
Police are monitoring the situation in the area to prevent further unrest.
