Kolkata: Nearly three years after communal violence rocked Rishra during Ram Navami processions, the National Investigation Agency has intensified its crackdown by arresting a Trinamool Congress councillor, claiming fresh evidence has helped unravel an alleged larger conspiracy behind the clashes.

The central agency on Tuesday arrested TMC councillor Sakir Ali, who represents Ward No. 4 of the Rishra Municipality in Hooghly district, in connection with the 2023 Ram Navami violence.

He was taken into custody after NIA officials carried out a search operation at the residence of his wife, former Arambagh MP Aparupa Poddar, early in the morning.

According to investigators, Ali's name surfaced during the course of the agency's investigation, particularly through statements recorded from other accused already arrested in the case.

The NIA alleges that he played an active role in triggering violence and mobilising those involved in the clashes.

Officials said Ali was initially questioned during the search operation. However, after investigators allegedly found inconsistencies in his responses, he was formally placed under arrest.

The agency said its investigation relied heavily on digital and forensic evidence. Officials examined mobile tower data, call detail records, CCTV footage from locations where violence broke out, and geospatial mapping of videos circulated on social media to reconstruct the sequence of events.

Based on the evidence gathered so far, the NIA believes the violence was not spontaneous but part of a premeditated plan aimed at disturbing public order.

Ali's arrest comes amid a series of recent actions by central investigative agencies against several Trinamool Congress leaders and municipal representatives across West Bengal.

The NIA is expected to produce Ali before a designated special court and seek his custodial remand for further interrogation.