Former Kolkata Councillor Shams Iqbal arrested in Rs 70 lakh extortion case

Former Kolkata Municipal Corporation councillor Shams Iqbal, also known as Anil, has been arrested by Kolkata Police in connection with a Rs 70 lakh extortion case registered in 2023. The arrest was carried out by officers of the Garden Reach police station following a complaint filed by a local businessman from the Metiabruz area.

According to the complaint, the accused and his associates allegedly threatened the victim and his family with dire consequences, including death threats, to force him to pay ₹70 lakh over a period of time. Police said the extortion was carried out under a coordinated plan, and the accused continued to demand money even after initial payments were made.

Investigators further stated that the case involves charges of criminal intimidation, extortion, and other relevant sections of law. Shams Iqbal was detained after questioning and formally arrested after preliminary investigation confirmed sufficient evidence linked to the allegations.

Officials also clarified that the arrest is part of an older extortion case and is not connected to the recent Taratala warehouse collapse incident in Kolkata, which had claimed multiple lives and triggered separate investigations.

The accused is considered a known political figure in the area and has previously been associated with local administrative politics in Kolkata.