TMC MLA Paresh Ram Das is arrested at Kolkata’s Netaji Subhas Chandra Bose International Airport as he attempts to fly to Mumbai, with police alleging he faces charges including rape and extortion. Multiple outlets say he has been evading law enforcement for around 17 days and repeatedly failed to respond to police summons, with arrest efforts culminating at the airport.
Reports also describe competing Trinamool Congress faction claims. Scroll.in and Free Press Journal say Mamata Banerjee’s faction accuses that a rival camp had escaped action, while Free Press Journal adds that rival TMC factions trade allegations over whether the arrest is connected to his decision to support Mamata Banerjee or to related intra-party tensions.
Most coverage focuses on the arrest, the alleged offences, and police pursuit. The Hindu adds a broader political context, saying several TMC leaders are arrested after the BJP comes to power in May 2026, including five former ministers. Times of India and India Today similarly emphasize the airport location, the attempt to flee, and the multi-case nature of the allegations.
