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High Court Rejects Actor Soham Chakraborty’s Anticipatory Bail in ₹15 Lakh Fraud Case

Agreement signed in 2017; cheque issued in 2018 from Trina Film Industry’s account

Trader alleges non-performance and threats; actor apprehends arrest amid ongoing probe

By Legal Reporter

New Delhi: October 15, 2026:

The Calcutta High Court has rejected actor and former Trinamool Congress MLA Soham Chakraborty’s anticipatory bail plea in a ₹15 lakh fraud case, intensifying legal troubles for the politician-turned-actor. The case stems from allegations that he accepted money to act in a film but failed to deliver, leading to a police complaint and subsequent court proceedings.

Case Background

• Allegations: Soham Chakraborty allegedly took ₹15 lakh from Tarun Das, a trader from Balurghat, to act in a film.
• Timeline:
  • Agreement signed in 2017.
  • Cheque issued in 2018 from Trina Film Industry’s account at a Baguiati bank branch.
• Complaint: When Chakraborty failed to act in the film or return the money, Das lodged a complaint at Balurghat police station.
• Escalation: In May 2026, Das approached Chakraborty’s manager, Suman Karmakar, who allegedly threatened to file a defamation case instead of refunding the amount.
• Court Decision: Justice Debangsu Basak rejected the anticipatory bail plea, leaving Chakraborty vulnerable to arrest.

Political Context

• Soham Chakraborty represented Chandipur constituency in the West Bengal Assembly between 2016 and 2021.
• He contested the 2026 Assembly elections but lost.
• His political career has been intertwined with his film background, making this case particularly high-profile.

Legal Implications

• Anticipatory Bail Rejection: This means Chakraborty cannot avoid arrest if police proceed with custodial interrogation.
• Fraud Charges: The case highlights issues of contractual obligations in the entertainment industry.
• Public Perception: As a former MLA and actor, the case has drawn significant media attention, raising questions about accountability among public figures.

FAQs

Q1: What is anticipatory bail?

Anticipatory bail is a legal provision that allows a person to seek protection from arrest in anticipation of being charged with a non-bailable offense.

Q2: Why was Soham Chakraborty’s plea rejected?

The court found insufficient grounds to grant protection, given the seriousness of the fraud allegations and the evidence presented.

Q3: What happens next?

Police may arrest Chakraborty for questioning. He can still apply for regular bail after arrest.

Q4: How does this affect his political career?

The case damages his credibility and may hinder future political ambitions, especially after his recent electoral defeat.

Q5: What precedent does this set?

It underscores that public figures are not above the law and contractual fraud in the entertainment industry can lead to serious legal consequences.

Conclusion

The rejection of Soham Chakraborty’s anticipatory bail plea marks a turning point in the ongoing fraud case. With allegations of financial misconduct and threats, the actor-politician faces mounting legal and reputational challenges. The case will likely influence both his career trajectory and broader discussions on accountability in public life.