Howrah Police Reconstruction Triggers Political Row
A police reconstruction exercise in West Bengal’s Howrah sparked political controversy on Sunday, May 24, 2026, after accused gangster Akash Singh was taken through several alleged crime locations under tight security. Singh, described in reports as a known figure in North Howrah’s criminal network, was seen wearing a vest and underwear/shorts while police escorted him through different parts of the city.
The exercise was reportedly carried out by teams from Malipanchghara and Golabari police stations as part of an investigation into older and pending cases linked to the accused. The visuals quickly drew public attention because another recent incident involving an accused being taken out in undergarments had already raised questions about police methods in the state. Political reactions followed, with some calling it a strong message against crime and others questioning whether accused persons should be publicly presented in such a manner before conviction.
Akash Singh Cases And Investigation Details
Police are reportedly revisiting several crime spots to understand how the alleged offences were planned, who helped execute them, and how the wider network operated. Akash Singh is accused of running an extortion-linked gang in Howrah and has also faced allegations connected to firing at a police officer in 2021. Reports also mention multiple older criminal allegations against him, including bomb-related cases. Earlier this month, police arrested Akash Singh along with his alleged associate Suraj Singh, after which investigators began reviewing pending cases connected to their network. During Sunday’s reconstruction, officers reportedly recreated parts of the alleged crimes to verify evidence and examine the sequence of events. While police sources have described the exercise as part of the investigation, the public nature of the operation has turned the case into a political talking point.
For now, the Howrah police reconstruction row continues as investigators examine older cases, identify possible associates, and look into the alleged extortion and criminal network linked to Akash Singh.
