Court sends Swarup to cop custody till June 18, complainant says she was barred from work after she denied sexual demands

Kolkata: The Alipore court on Friday remanded Trinamool functionary Swarup Biswas, also brother of former state sports minister Aroop Biswas, in police custody till June 18 following his arrest on Thursday on multiple charges, including attempt to murder, sexual harassment, extortion, criminal intimidation, criminal conspiracy and sections under the Arms Act.The New Alipore PS cops arrested Biswas following a complaint by a woman associated with Tollygunge Make-Up Artists’ Federation.He was produced in court around 11.30 am on Friday, well ahead of the schedule, to avoid a large group of protesters, who reportedly planned a demonstration against him outside Lalbazar around noon.During the hearing at court, public prosecutor Sourin Ghosal pointed out Biswas was an influential person and brother of a former powerful minister. He said several individuals alleged they paid Biswas money and that an investigation should be held to determine the number of people from whom the money was paid and what was it used for.Biswas’s counsel, however, contended he had no connection with the allegations and also pointed out that there was no CCTV footage to support the allegation of him intimidating with a weapon.Police said the complainant woman, a resident of the Regent Park area, claimed she was denied work opportunities for nearly two years and was asked to pay in exchange for assignments. She also alleged she was threatened when she sought work. Cops are also investigating allegations that several others were intimidated into paying lakhs of rupees.The woman on Friday told reporters that Biswas made sexually inappropriate demands and told her she would have to be his “preferred person” and “bed partner” if she wanted to continue working. She claimed after she refused, she was effectively barred from work and threatened with dire consequences. The complainant said she felt unsafe at her workplace and spent days at home out of fear.Following Biswas’s arrest from his home on Thursday evening, protesters gathered outside the New Alipore Police Station, raising slogans against him and demanding strict action. They also hurled eggs at Biswas and damaged cars parked outside the police station.