In the run-up to the upcoming West Bengal Legislative Assembly elections, actor and legislator Soham Chakraborty has found himself at the centre of a fresh controversy. A legal case has been filed against him in the High Court by actor-politician Shahid Imam, who alleges that Soham has defaulted on a personal loan.
According to the complaint, Soham had borrowed ₹68 lakh from Shahid in 2021, based on a personal understanding between the two. Shahid claims that, to date, only ₹25 lakh of the borrowed sum has been repaid.
The remaining ₹43 lakh, he alleges, has not been repaid despite repeated requests over a prolonged period, compelling him to seek legal recourse. Shahid further asserts that his attempts to recover the money were met with intimidation and threats.
“After waiting for two years, I was forced to file a loan default case against Soham on Monday. On Tuesday, I submitted a written complaint to Charu Market police station,” Shahid told reporters.
Soham, for his part, has not denied borrowing the money. He stated that the funds were taken to finance a film project. He explained that due to financial difficulties and delays in the film’s release, it was not feasible to repay the entire amount at once. Nonetheless, Soham maintains that he has repeatedly promised to settle the remaining ₹43 lakh.
“The allegations of threats are completely baseless. This issue has been brought up solely to tarnish my reputation ahead of the elections,” Soham said, defending himself against the claims.
The legal process has now commenced following the filing of a written complaint with the police, and the matter is currently under judicial consideration.
For clarity, the loan situation can be summarised as follows:
| Details | Amount (₹ lakh) |
|---|---|
| Total loan taken by Soham | 68 |
| Amount repaid to date | 25 |
| Outstanding amount | 43 |
| Year of loan | 2021 |
This case highlights the growing scrutiny of public figures and politicians in West Bengal as the state approaches its legislative elections. Observers note that allegations involving financial disputes can often attract significant media attention and influence public perception, especially during politically sensitive periods.
As of now, both parties have maintained their positions: the complainant pursuing legal action to recover the loan, and the accused asserting that the issue is being politicised. The High Court will ultimately determine the legitimacy of the claims and the obligations of the parties involved.