Haldia, Sep 19: A local court on Saturday remanded Congress candidate Milan Pradhan to judicial custody until October 3, a day after he was arrested on multiple charges linked to incidents from the 2007 anti-land acquisition movement in Nandigram. The development removes Pradhan from active campaigning in the final phase of the bypoll battle for the seat vacated by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari.
Arrest details and charges
West Bengal Police said Pradhan was arrested on the basis of four outstanding arrest warrants arising from non-bailable cases registered during the 2007 Nandigram agitation. The charges listed by police include murder, attempt to murder, abduction with intent to murder, causing disappearance of evidence, house trespass, and rioting with arms and deadly weapons. He was additionally booked under relevant sections of the Arms Act, the police statement said.
Pradhan was produced before the Haldia Subdivisional Court, which ordered his remand for 14 days. A counsel appearing for Pradhan told the court that he will be produced before the Contai court on Monday in connection with the fourth warrant, which pertains to cases registered with the Khejuri police station.
"The court has remanded Milan Pradhan to judicial custody for 14 days in connection with the three warrants associated with cases in Nandigram police station. He will be produced before the Contai court on Monday in connection with the fourth warrant issued in cases registered with the Khejuri police station," the counsel said.
The prosecution told the court that Pradhan had been absconding for the past 19 years and that police were unable to trace him until now.
Political timing and reactions
The arrest came hours after former West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee publicly announced her support for Pradhan, following the withdrawal of her faction's earlier nominee Sanchita Pradhan Dey. Both the Congress and the faction of the Trinamool Congress led by Ms Banerjee questioned the timing of the arrest and suggested the matter could be politically motivated ahead of the October 6 bypoll.
The Nandigram seat became vacant when Mr Adhikari resigned in May, choosing to retain the Bhabanipur seat after defeating Ms Banerjee earlier this year. Campaigning for the bypoll concludes on October 4; polling is scheduled for October 6.
Local impact and electoral implications
Pradhan's remand effectively prevents him from canvassing in the final critical days of the bypoll campaign. Party workers and local activists who would have relied on door-to-door meetings and public rallies must now revise mobilisation plans. With tensions high in Nandigram — a site still resonant from the 2007 agitation and subsequent political battles — the absence of a candidate on the ground may alter outreach dynamics and messaging for the Congress.
- Remand period: Judicial custody until October 3 (14 days).
- Polling timetable: Campaigning ends October 4; polling on October 6.
- Charges: Multiple non-bailable cases from 2007, plus Arms Act sections.
Next legal steps
According to the defence, Pradhan will be produced before the Contai court in relation to the fourth arrest warrant issued for cases registered at Khejuri police station. The prosecution's assertion that he had been absconding for 19 years formed part of the court proceedings leading to the remand.
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Court | Haldia Subdivisional Court |
| Remand duration | 14 days (till Oct 3) |
| Polling date | October 6 |
| Seat | Nandigram Assembly constituency |
Observers note that legal developments in the run-up to elections often invite scrutiny from rival parties and civil society, particularly when allegations surface regarding timing. In this case, both the Congress and Ms Banerjee's faction have publicly questioned whether the arrest was timed to influence electoral prospects.
As the matter proceeds to the Contai court, local party offices, campaign teams and the Election Commission will be watching closely for further procedural developments and any impact on campaigning norms or security arrangements in Nandigram and surrounding areas.
Further updates are expected when Pradhan is produced before the Contai court and as parties respond to the judicial orders affecting the final days of campaigning.
