West Bengal's Special Task Force arrested Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Jahangir Khan near the Indo-Nepal border on Monday [1].
The arrest of the former MLA removes a prominent political figure from the region following allegations of electoral malpractice and criminal activity. Khan was a candidate for the Falta Assembly seat, a constituency that recently required a re-poll due to irregularities.
Authorities intercepted Khan at Panitanki Bazar, located under the Kharibari Police Station in the Darjeeling district [1], [2]. The operation took place at approximately 2:30 p.m. [1]. The arrest was the result of a joint raid conducted by the STF and the Darjeeling Police team [1].
Khan had been wanted in several cases registered at the Falta police station under the Diamond Harbour Police District [1]. These charges include alleged extortion and involvement in election-related violence [1], [2]. The allegations of electoral malpractice associated with Khan were significant enough to prompt a re-poll for the Falta Assembly seat on May 21, 2026 [4].
"West Bengal Police STF has arrested on-the-run TMC leader Jahangir Khan near the Nepal border while he attempted to flee," a West Bengal Police spokesperson said [2].
The news agency ANI reported that Khan was wanted in multiple cases before his apprehension at Panitanki Bazar [1]. The STF's successful interception suggests a coordinated effort to prevent the former MLA from leaving the country via the porous border region.
“West Bengal Police STF has arrested on-the-run TMC leader Jahangir Khan near the Nepal border while he attempted to flee.”
The arrest of Jahangir Khan highlights the ongoing tension between political influence and legal accountability in West Bengal. By apprehending a former MLA who was attempting to flee the country, the STF signals a crackdown on election-related violence and extortion, specifically in constituencies like Falta where electoral integrity was previously compromised.
