Prashant Barman, the former Block Development Officer (BDO) of Raiganj Block in North Dinajpur, West Bengal, has been arrested after a long period of evasion regarding the murder of gold trader Swapan Kamilya. The arrest took place on May 26, 2026, around midnight in New Town, Kolkata, where Barman was involved in a drunken driving incident that led to a confrontation with a two-wheeler rider.
According to reports from the Bidhannagar City Police, Barman was driving under the influence when he collided with a two-wheeler. The rider, despite being injured, managed to confront Barman, who responded with verbal abuse instead of showing remorse. This altercation attracted attention from local residents, one of whom recorded the incident and shared it on social media. This public display of aggression eventually led to police intervention from the local Ecopark Police Station.
- Background of the Case — Barman has been a suspect in Kamilya's murder since October 2025, when Kamilya's body was discovered near a canal in Salt Lake.
- Legal Maneuvering — Barman initially secured anticipatory bail, but the Calcutta High Court later rejected this and mandated his surrender.
- Political Connections — Barman is reportedly close to influential figures in the Trinamool Congress, which has raised questions about political interference in his case.
Following the emergence of the social media footage, the police detained Barman and subsequently placed him under arrest. His arrest is significant, as it comes after a series of legal proceedings where he tried to evade justice. Previously, the Bidhannagar City Police had sought to counter his anticipatory bail, which the High Court ultimately revoked, compelling him to surrender by December 22, 2025. However, Barman ignored this directive, prompting the issuance of an arrest warrant.
After his continued absence, Barman appealed to the Supreme Court, which ordered him to surrender by January 23, 2026. His failure to comply with this order resulted in him being a fugitive until his dramatic arrest. As the investigation continues, the implications of his connections to local political leaders are under scrutiny, raising concerns over the potential for political shielding in criminal matters. The case has garnered significant media attention, highlighting issues of accountability and the influence of political affiliations in legal proceedings.
