Shakir Ali Arrest: NIA arrests Rishra TMC councillor and former MP Aparupa Poddar’s husband in the 2023 Ram Navami violence case. Read the full report on the latest developments.
Former MP Aparupa Poddar’s Husband Shakir Ali Arrested After NIA Raid in Rishra; Agency Alleges Role in Communal Violence Investigation
By Qalam Times News Network
Rishra, Hooghly (West Bengal) | June 30, 2026
Shakir Ali Arrest marks a significant escalation in the National Investigation Agency’s (NIA) probe into the 2023 Ram Navami violence in Rishra. The central anti-terror agency on Tuesday arrested Rishra TMC councillor Shakir Ali, husband of former Arambagh MP Aparupa Poddar, following an extensive search operation and hours of questioning at his residence.
Investigators, assisted by Central Armed Police Force (CAPF) personnel, carried out an early morning raid at Ali’s residence before taking him into custody. The Shakir Ali Arrest came after NIA officials reportedly found serious contradictions in his statements and matched fresh evidence gathered during their investigation with disclosures made by previously arrested accused.
NIA Tightens Noose Around Alleged Masterminds of Rishra Violence
According to official sources, the arrest is linked to the violent clashes that erupted during the Ram Navami processions in Rishra in April 2023. The violence had triggered widespread communal unrest, arson, stone-pelting and destruction of public and private property, prompting the Centre to hand over the investigation to the NIA.
Agency sources claim that the investigation uncovered material suggesting Shakir Ali’s alleged involvement in provoking and coordinating the violence. Officials believe statements recorded from earlier arrested accused, along with technical and documentary evidence collected over the past three years, strengthened the case leading to Tuesday’s arrest.
The NIA is expected to seek custodial interrogation to examine Ali’s alleged role and identify others who may have been involved in planning or facilitating the violence.
High-Drama Raid at Former MP’s Residence
An NIA team backed by multiple CAPF vehicles arrived at the residence of former TMC MP Aparupa Poddar in Rishra early Tuesday morning. The operation drew large crowds as residents gathered outside while investigators searched the premises and questioned Shakir Ali for several hours.
Following the interrogation, Ali was formally arrested and taken away by the agency. He is expected to be produced before the designated NIA court, where investigators are likely to seek his custody for further questioning.
Shakir Ali has been a long-serving Trinamool Congress councillor representing Ward No. 4 of the Rishra Municipality.
His wife, Aparupa Poddar, served two consecutive terms as the MP from Arambagh but was denied a party ticket for the 2024 Lok Sabha elections. She had publicly expressed dissatisfaction with the party’s decision, alleging that financial considerations influenced candidate selection, although she reaffirmed her loyalty to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and the Trinamool Congress.
Another TMC Leader’s Close Associate Arrested the Same Day
In another significant development, Serampore Police arrested Sudarshan Bar, a powerful member of the Piarapur Gram Panchayat and a close associate of Serampore MP Kalyan Banerjee and former Champdani MLA Arindam Guin.
Bar faces multiple allegations, including assault, land grabbing, corruption in panchayat administration, extortion connected to industrial projects, and the alleged rape of a woman inside a party office. He was produced before the Serampore court later on Tuesday.
The twin arrests have intensified political scrutiny in Hooghly district, where several criminal investigations involving ruling party functionaries are currently underway.
