Arpita Mukherjee: An ex-actress, a politician and Rs490 million unaccounted money

Former actor Arpita Mukherjee has landed a role she was perhaps not ready for – as someone involved in a scam. The actress’ homes were raided by investigators who subsequently found crores of rupees. She and her alleged partner, former education minister Partha Chatterjee, were arrested on July 23 after inexplicable amounts of cash - Rs490 million- were found at her home. Here’s what we know about Mukherjee so far.

In her social media profiles, Arpita describes herself as a model-turned actor and has 32000 followers on social media.

Mukherjee had a fairly normal childhood in a middle class area in Kolkata before moving to an upscale high-rise complex and getting into movies. She’s been seen with Chatterjee on a number of occasions and even campaigned for him during the 2021 Bengal assembly elections.

Mukherjee has often accompanied Partha Chatterjee for several public and social events including the Durga Puja festivity of the Naktala area in Kolkata where Chatterjee is a patron. She was even featured on the puja's music album cover in 2021.

Did you know Mukherjee featured in two films with seasoned actors Prosenjit Chatterjee and Jeet? She started her career as a model in 2004 and saw a few years of struggle. In 2010 she landed a small role in the Bengali film 'Mama Bhagne' which had Bengali superstar Prosenjit Chatterjee playing the lead role.

In 2011, she was part of a film called 'Bangla Bachao' which featured Paoli Dam, Prasenjit Chatterjee and others.

The Instagrammer often posts images from her lux life and yoga classes.

Mukherjee has an estranged relationship with her mother Minoti Mukherjee, who told media that once the actress moved to the plush flat in Kolkata’s Diamond City, their communication had been limited.

According to investigative agency sources, Mukherjee also admitted that the cash recovered from her residences was parked there by Chatterjee with the help of one of his close associates unknown to her. Above: Rs27.9 million in cash and gold and jewellery worth Rs 43.1 m recovered from the residence of Arpita Mukherjee, close aide of West Bengal Minister Partha Chatterjee.