Influential TMC Leader Swarup Biswas Arrested Following Sexual Harassment and Extortion Charges

A prominent figure in the Bengali film industry and regional politics has been taken into police custody after a make-up artist filed a serious complaint alleging professional exploitation and physical threats.

Kolkata police have arrested Swarup Biswas, a well-known TMC leader and brother of former minister Aroop Biswas, following a harrowing complaint filed by a local make-up artist. The arrest, which took place at his Sahapur Colony residence on Thursday night, marks a significant escalation in the ongoing scrutiny of power dynamics within the regional film sector. While political circles are currently abuzz with mentions of figures like Ramalinga Reddy, the focus in West Bengal remains fixed on these grave allegations involving Biswas.

The complainant, who had been struggling to find consistent work over the past two years, initially sought the assistance of Biswas in August 2025 at the Suruchi Sangha club in New Alipore. At the time, Biswas held a position of authority heading a body representing make-up artists. According to the victim, what began as a request for job placement quickly devolved into a predatory situation.

Allegations of Coercion and Violence

The victim’s statement details a disturbing progression of events. She claims that when she approached the influential leader again this past April, she was told that obtaining a job was contingent upon her sexual compliance. When she refused these demands, the situation reportedly turned violent. The woman alleged that Biswas and his associates targeted her at her home on April 10, making an attempt on her life.

Beyond the sexual harassment claims, the investigation has uncovered a systematic pattern of extortion. The victim alleged that Biswas leveraged his status—as an official of the Suruchi Sangha and his long-standing role as president of the Federation of Cine Technicians & Workers of Eastern India—to extract money from vulnerable workers. She stated that he collected over Rs 22 lakh from various individuals under the guise of providing employment, citing a specific instance where a colleague was forced to pay Rs 45,000 last December.

Legal Consequences and Industry Impact

Authorities have moved swiftly, booking the accused under several serious provisions of the Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita (BNS). These include Section 75(1) for sexual harassment, as well as sections related to extortion and threatening victims with grievous hurt or death. Additionally, charges under the Arms Act have been filed, reflecting the severity of the allegations regarding the life-threatening incident at the victim's residence.

Swarup Biswas has long been a powerful name in Kolkata’s cultural landscape, often associated with the high-profile Durga Puja festivities organized by Suruchi Sangha. However, his tenure as the head of the technicians' federation—which concluded in December 2025—was frequently marred by reports of high-handedness. As the legal proceedings commence, the case has cast a harsh light on the coercive systems allegedly operating behind the scenes of the regional entertainment industry.