Crime
Police Track Down Absconding Ex-Municipality Chairman in Fraud Case
Swapan Nandi, former chairman of the Arambagh Municipality in West Bengal, has been arrested from Kerala after allegedly going into hiding in connection with irregularities in a multi-crore solar power project. Police said he altered his appearance, including shaving off his moustache, to evade arrest.
A former civic body chief in West Bengal, who had allegedly been evading arrest by altering his appearance, has been apprehended from Kerala in connection with a multi-crore solar power project scam, police said on Sunday.
The accused, Swapan Nandi, served as the chairman of the Arambagh Municipality and had been on the run after investigators intensified their probe into alleged irregularities linked to the Green City project.
According to a senior police officer, Nandi had remained absconding as the investigation gathered momentum and enforcement agencies closed in on suspects connected to the case.
Appearance Altered to Avoid Detection
Investigators revealed that Nandi had attempted to escape identification by changing his appearance.
The officer said that Nandi had altered his appearance, including shaving off his moustache, in an effort to evade arrest.
Despite the alleged disguise, police teams were able to track his movements and eventually locate him in Kerala.
Details regarding the operation leading to his arrest have not been disclosed.
Green City Project Under Scanner
The case pertains to alleged financial and administrative irregularities in the Green City solar power project, a venture reportedly involving substantial public funds.
Authorities have been examining whether there were violations in:
- The execution of the project,
- Awarding of contracts,
- Financial transactions,
- Procurement procedures, and
- Utilisation of funds.
The investigation has reportedly widened in recent weeks, leading to intensified efforts to trace individuals suspected of involvement in the alleged scam.
Further Investigation
Following his arrest, Nandi is expected to be brought back to West Bengal for further questioning and legal proceedings.
Investigators are likely to examine his role in the decision-making process related to the project and determine whether additional individuals were involved in the alleged irregularities.
Officials have not ruled out further arrests as the probe progresses.
Political Attention
Given Nandi’s former position as chairman of the Arambagh Municipality, the case has attracted considerable public and political attention.
The arrest is being viewed as a significant development in the ongoing investigation into alleged corruption linked to public infrastructure and renewable energy initiatives.
Authorities have maintained that the probe will continue until all aspects of the alleged scam are thoroughly examined and accountability established.