Kolkata: Former Bidhannagar Mayor-in-Council (MIC) member Debraj Chakraborty was arrested by the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) near the Purulia–Jharkhand border after allegedly evading law enforcement for several days. The arrest marks a significant breakthrough for investigators who had been tracking his movements across multiple locations following the rejection of his plea for legal protection by the Calcutta High Court.

According to official sources, Chakraborty had remained in hiding for nearly ten days after the court denied him relief. Investigators believe he changed locations frequently in an effort to avoid arrest, making it difficult for authorities to trace his whereabouts. His movements reportedly began around June 16, when he allegedly left Kolkata and travelled through several districts, including Kalimpong, before moving towards Jharkhand.

Sources familiar with the investigation said Chakraborty initially stayed at a hotel near Ranchi and later shifted to a resort close to the West Bengal–Jharkhand border. Acting on specific intelligence inputs, the STF launched a coordinated surveillance operation and intercepted him near the Purulia border, where he was taken into custody without any major resistance.

Following the arrest, Chakraborty was brought back to West Bengal for further legal proceedings. Officials are expected to produce him before a competent court, where investigators may seek custody for detailed questioning regarding the allegations against him.

The arrest comes amid an ongoing crackdown on individuals accused in high-profile cases across the state. Authorities are now examining Chakraborty's travel records, communication details and financial transactions during the period he was allegedly absconding. Investigators believe the interrogation could provide fresh leads and help identify whether anyone assisted him while he remained on the run.

The STF has not yet issued a detailed public statement on the specific charges, but officials indicated that the investigation remains active and further developments are expected in the coming days.