STF arrests 'Pushpa' Jahangir Khan from Nepal border; know what 'allegations' is he facing
The arrest, based on intelligence of his escape attempt, highlights ongoing probes into local power dynamics and post-poll accountability in the state.
Total Views |
On Monday, June 8, Jahangir Khan, former TMC candidate from Falta in South Parganas, was arrested by the Special Task Force (STF) near the Nepal border in connection with multiple FIRs, including allegations of tampering with EVMs by applying tapes with BJP symbols on the EVMs in his constituency.
_202606081234409276_H@@IGHT_400_W@@IDTH_700.jpg "Jahangir Khan")
Reports from the constituency alleged voter intimidation, tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and instances where opposition candidates’ names were reportedly blocked on voting machines. The lack of adequate CCTV footage further prevented authorities from verifying whether the polling had been conducted fairly.
The arrest, based on intelligence of his escape attempt, highlights ongoing probes into local power dynamics and post-poll accountability in the state.
Due to multiple complaints and reported irregularities, the Election Commission ordered a repoll in the Falta Assembly constituency just two days before the announcement of the Assembly election results. Although results for 293 constituencies in West Bengal were declared on May 4, polling in Falta was annulled by the Election Commission, which cited “serious electoral malpractices and a breakdown of the democratic process.”
Reports from the constituency alleged voter intimidation, tampering with Electronic Voting Machines (EVMs), and instances where opposition candidates’ names were reportedly blocked on voting machines. The lack of adequate CCTV footage further prevented authorities from verifying whether the polling had been conducted fairly.
Meanwhile, Jahangir, who had adopted the nickname “Pushpa” in a challenge to police observer Ajay Pal Sharma, popularly known as “Singham,” was arrested by the West Bengal Special Task Force (STF) near the Nepal border. Investigators said he was allegedly attempting to leave the country after evading arrest for several weeks.
“If he is Singham, then I am Pushpa,” Khan had said after Sharma visited his house ahead of the polls and warned family members against intimidating voters on election day. Known as 'Pushpa' for his unyielding style during the 2026 West Bengal elections, he withdrew from the re-poll but later lost court protection.
VIDEO | South 24 Parganas: Addressing a press conference, TMC leader Jahangir Khan said,
— Press Trust of India (@PTI_News) May 19, 2026
"I am the son of Falta and I want Falta to be at peace and grow. Our CM Suvendu Adhikari is giving a special package for the development of Falta, which is why I am separating myself from… pic.twitter.com/R95Lw7DpHo
Notably, on May 19, while announcing that he was withdrawing from the contest, he claimed that Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari had assured a “special package” for the constituency. Khan, while talking to the media, said, "I am the son of Falta, and I want Falta to be at peace and grow. Our CM Suvendu Adhikari is giving a special package for the development of Falta, which is why I am separating myself from the re-polling of the constituency."
The arrest, based on intelligence of his escape attempt, highlights ongoing probes into local power dynamics and post-poll accountability in the state.