‘Bangla Pokkho’ founder Garga Chatterjee arrested for spreading EVM misinformation

‘Bangla Pokkho’ founder Garga Chatterjee was arrested by Kolkata Police’s Cyber ​​Cell on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, over allegations of spreading misinformation about EVM manipulation during the recently held West Bengal Assembly elections.

Bangla Pokkho is a pro-Bengali advocacy organization and Mr. Chatterjee is often seen campaigning for the prioritization of the Bengali language and Bengalis over other languages ​​and communities in West Bengal. During the 2026 West Bengal Assembly elections, he urged people to vote for Trinamool Congress or Left Front candidates but not the Bharatiya Janata Party, claiming that the saffron party was the party of “outsiders”.

“A complaint was lodged against him by the North Kolkata District Election Officer (DEO) following which the cyber cell took action. He was summoned twice in connection with the matter, but he did not appear and hence he was arrested today,” Kolkata Police Commissioner Ajay Nand told media persons at Lalbazar Police Headquarters.

This is not the first time Mr Chatterjee has been arrested by the Kolkata Police. He was arrested in August 2022 for allegedly hurting the sentiments of the people of Assam and promoting enmity between communities. The arrest was made on the orders of the Gauhati High Court after an FIR was lodged against him for allegedly making objectionable remarks against a ruler of the Ahom dynasty.

Former minister detained in emergency room

In another development, former Trinamool Congress Minister Sujit Bose, who was arrested by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) on Monday, was sent to ED custody for 10 days. The central investigation agency alleged that Mr. Bose illegally recommended 150 candidates for different posts within the South Dum Dum Municipality in lieu of financial benefits.

On Tuesday, the ED’s lawyer told a special court that a restaurant owned by Mr. Bose had reported sales of around Rs 1.11 crore during the Covid-19 lockdown.

The Messi episode is under the spotlight again

In another development, newly appointed West Bengal Sports Minister Nisith Pramanik said he is seeking the file on the Lionel Messi incident in Kolkata, where violence broke out due to mismanagement. Former Sports Minister and Trinamool Congress leader Aroop Biswas was held responsible for the incident. Mr. Pramanik said he would talk to Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari and take action if necessary.