In a development that has triggered sharp political and legal controversy, West Bengal Police on Tuesday landed unannounced at the Noida residence of journalist Surajit Dasgupta in an attempt to arrest him over the circulation of alleged private chats linked to a Trinamool Congress MP, a move that seemingly reflects the growing weaponisation of state police machinery under the Mamata Banerjee government.
The attempted arrest relates to social media posts in which Dasgupta had shared purported chats claimed to be between TMC MP Mahua Moitra and political strategist Prashant Kishor. Moitra had subsequently filed a written complaint in Nadia district alleging that fabricated content was being circulated in her name, following which an FIR was registered and an investigation initiated.
Police Action Raises Due Process Questions
West Bengal Police claimed that the chats were “fake” and moved swiftly to arrest Dasgupta. However, questions have been raised over who determines the authenticity of such material and whether criminal liability can be fastened merely for sharing content already circulating in the public domain.
It is noteworthy that if private chats entered the public sphere, the leak could only have originated from one of the two parties involved, raising further questions on why enforcement action appeared focused on those amplifying the content rather than tracing the source.
The conduct of the Krishnanagar police seemed to reflect a troubling pattern of policing driven by political sensitivities rather than constitutional safeguards.
Notice, Warrant, And “Lightning Speed” Action
For offences carrying punishment of up to seven years, criminal procedure mandates issuance of notice for appearance. Despite Dasgupta residing outside West Bengal’s jurisdiction, police reportedly issued a notice demanding appearance within 24 hours, seen as unreasonable and procedurally coercive.
This was followed by a rapid move to secure an arrest warrant from a local court in Nadia after he did not appear. One can contrast the “lightning speed” in this case with what they described as slower investigative responses in serious crimes such as rape and crimes against women in the state.
This morning, the West Bengal Police landed unannounced at the Noida residence of journalist Surajit Dasgupta. The purpose was clear: to arrest him for allegedly sharing chats between a Trinamool Congress MP and her paramour. The contention, conveniently advanced, is that the…
— Amit Malviya (@amitmalviya) February 10, 2026
Bengal Police vs Noida Police: Conflicting Claims
The attempted arrest soon snowballed into an inter-state policing controversy, with West Bengal Police and Noida Police issuing sharply conflicting versions of events.
According to a senior Noida Police source cited by NDTV, a Krishnanagar police team arrived Monday morning to execute the warrant. Bengal Police alleged that after locating and detaining the accused, a large contingent of Noida Police personnel, around 10 to 15 officers, intervened and stopped them from completing the arrest.
They further claimed the four-member Bengal team was taken to a local police station and held there for nearly 90 minutes, during which time the accused allegedly escaped.
Krishnanagar Superintendent of Police K. Amarnath stated that the Bengal team had detained Dasgupta and was preparing the arrest memo when Noida Police intervened and removed them from the location, leaving the accused unguarded.
Noida Police Deny Obstruction
Noida Police rejected the allegations of interference. The Station House Officer of Phase-2 Police Station stated that the Bengal team had arrived without prior intimation. He said local police had requested time to follow mandatory procedure, including forming a raiding team.
Officials added that apartment security had to be informed before conducting a raid, as required by protocol. When the joint operation was carried out, the suspect was not found at the premises.
The SHO denied any lack of cooperation, stating that full support had been extended and that both the SHO and chowki in-charge were part of the search operation.
Forensic Claim And FIR Basis
Police sources said a forensic examination conducted by the Forensic Science Laboratory had concluded that the circulated chats were forged. Based on this finding, Dasgupta was issued notice to appear before investigators.
After he failed to do so, the arrest warrant was obtained.
Political And Civil Liberty Concerns
The episode has triggered broader concerns about press freedom, due process, and alleged political overreach.
The speed and manner of police action seemed to suggest an attempt to criminalise embarrassment of political figures rather than uphold law. One also wonders how an MP of a regional party appeared able to trigger such swift interstate enforcement mobilisation.
The incident has further fuelled allegations that governance and policing structures in West Bengal are increasingly blurred with party interests, raising questions about democratic accountability and institutional neutrality.
Source: NDTV
Subscribe to our channels on Telegram, WhatsApp, and Instagram and get the best stories of the day delivered to you personally.
