কলকাতা হাইকোর্ট Sets Strict Deadline for Fugitive BDO Prasanta Barman in Dattabad Murder Case

The কলকাতা হাইকোর্ট (Calcutta High Court) has taken a stern stance against Prasanta Barman, the former Block Development Officer (BDO) of Rajganj, who has been evading the law for nearly a year. A division bench comprising Chief Justice Ravindra V. Ghuge and Justice Om Narayan Rai has ordered Barman to surrender by 3:30 PM on October 8, 2026, following a strict 48-hour ultimatum [2].

Financial Sanctions and Asset Seizure

In a rare move to pressure a fugitive official, the court addressed the anomaly of Barman continuing to receive government benefits while hiding from the law. The division bench expressed shock that the state was still paying a monthly salary to a fugitive, ordering an immediate cessation of these payments [1].

Furthermore, the court has initiated the process to list and confiscate Barman's properties if he fails to meet the October 8 deadline. This action is based on a Supreme Court precedent allowing the seizure of assets of accused individuals who remain absconding [1].

The Dattabad Murder Case Context

Prasanta Barman is accused of the kidnapping and murder of Swapan Kamalia, a gold businessman from Mohanpur, Medinipur. The case dates back to October 2025, when Kamalia's mutilated body was recovered on October 30, 2025, near a canal in Dattabad, New Town [2].

According to witness testimony from a shop owner, a BDO arrived in a vehicle with a blue beacon and siren, forcibly taking both the witness and the businessman. While the witness was later dropped off in front of a building in New Town, the businessman was allegedly taken inside by the BDO [2]. While Barman denies involvement, several of his close associates have already been arrested in connection with the crime.

Timeline of Evasion and Legal Milestones

• October 30, 2025: Body of Swapan Kamalia recovered in Dattabad.
• Prior Incident: Barman allegedly hit a pedestrian in Rajarhat-New Town while intoxicated; he obtained bail but subsequently disappeared [1].
• October 6, 2026: Calcutta High Court issues the 48-hour surrender ultimatum.
• October 8, 2026: Final deadline for surrender (3:30 PM).
• December 14, 2026: Scheduled next hearing for the CID investigation report [2].

The CID has been directed to provide a comprehensive report on the progress of the investigation before the December hearing. The court's intervention highlights a critical push to ensure that administrative officials are not shielded from criminal accountability.