Overview
- Prashant Barman, a suspended Rajganj block development officer wanted in the October 2025 abduction and murder of gold trader Swapan Kamilya, was detained after an alleged drunk-driving crash in New Town on Monday night and identified by bystanders.
- Viral video of the roadside confrontation shows Barman appearing intoxicated and confrontational, and police say he refused a breathalyser test and at times misbehaved with officers during arrest and transport.
- Barman was produced at the Barasat court on Tuesday but was granted bail on a personal bond of Rs 1,000 because investigating officers did not produce the chargesheet documents or appear to press the murder-related custody application.
- The formal chargesheet reportedly refers to Barman repeatedly as an 'absconding' accused without listing him by name, and five associates linked to the case were arrested last year, leaving the detective department's probe active.
- The case raises questions about police procedure and tracking of an accused who had a Supreme Court order to surrender in January, and investigators may seek custody again as they compile missing documents and evidence.