Murder-Accused Bengal BDO Arrested After Drunk Driving Crash
Suspended officer held in Kolkata after hitting pedestrian with SUV in New Town
- Suspended BDO Prashant Barman arrested in Kolkata
- Officer allegedly involved in 2025 businessman murder case
- Arrest came after drunk driving accident in New Town
- Police likely to seek custody in kidnapping-murder probe
GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 26th May: Suspended Block Development Officer Prashant Barman, who had been absconding in connection with a businessman’s murder case, was arrested in Kolkata on Monday after allegedly driving under the influence and hitting a pedestrian with his SUV.
Barman, formerly posted as BDO in Rajganj of West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district, was wanted in connection with the 2025 kidnapping and murder of gold trader Swapan Kamaliya.
According to police, the incident took place in the Eco Park police station area of New Town when Barman allegedly hit a pedestrian with his Mahindra Thar vehicle.
Videos circulating on social media purportedly showed him arguing with several people on the road following the accident.
Police personnel present at the spot rescued the injured individual and shifted him to a hospital for treatment.
During verification, authorities identified the driver as Prashant Barman and subsequently arrested him.
Officials said the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate’s detective department, which is investigating the businessman murder case, is expected to seek Barman’s custody for further interrogation.
In January this year, Barman was removed from his post after the Supreme Court directed him to surrender in the kidnapping and murder case linked to 45-year-old businessman Swapan Kamaliya.
Although Barman’s name reportedly does not appear directly among the accused in the chargesheet, investigators said the document mentions him multiple times as an “absconding” accused.
Police are continuing further investigation into both the road accident and the murder case.
