Political tensions have once again escalated between Samajwadi Party MLA Atul Pradhan and former BJP MLA Sangeet Som, with Pradhan levelling a series of serious allegations against Som at a press conference held at his residence.

Addressing the media, Atul Pradhan accused Sangeet Som of engaging in the meat export business while simultaneously projecting himself as a hardline Hindu leader. He alleged that Som operates meat-related businesses in association with businessman Moin Qureshi, and yet publicly targets Bollywood actor Shah Rukh Khan, whom Som had recently called a “traitor”.

Pradhan claimed that Sangeet Som is a director in two meat companies and owns 12–15 firms registered in the names of his wife and sister-in-law. He alleged that these companies export meat abroad. During the press briefing, Pradhan also presented documents to journalists to support his claims. In addition, he accused Som of involvement in illegal liquor trading.

Demand for CBI Investigation and Security Review

Atul Pradhan demanded a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe into Sangeet Som’s assets and business dealings. He alleged that Som uses his security cover to forcibly occupy land and houses belonging to poor people.

Referring to a previous attack on Sangeet Som in which he was shot at, Pradhan said the case remains unresolved. He further alleged that over the last 11 years, nearly ₹66 crore has been spent on Som’s security, which is provided by both central and state governments. Pradhan claimed that alleged threats from Bangladesh are being used as a pretext to justify continued security cover and demanded a thorough review.

Bangladesh Threat Controversy

Recently, Sangeet Som reportedly received a threat call from a Bangladeshi number warning of a bomb attack. The incident followed controversy related to Shah Rukh Khan’s IPL franchise, Kolkata Knight Riders, which included Bangladeshi cricketer Mustafizur Rahman.

Som’s remarks branding Shah Rukh Khan a traitor triggered a wider political controversy. Atul Pradhan alleged that while Bangladesh witnesses violence and killings, the Indian government honours Shah Rukh Khan, and political leaders in India exploit his name for communal politics. He also demanded that the **Board of Control for Cricket in India (BCCI) sever ties with Bangladesh.

Feud Ongoing Since 2022

The rivalry between Atul Pradhan and Sangeet Som dates back to the 2022 Uttar Pradesh Assembly elections, when Pradhan defeated Som to win the Sardhana seat. Since then, both leaders have frequently exchanged accusations, with Som focusing on Hindutva-related issues and Pradhan launching repeated political attacks.

No official response from Sangeet Som or government agencies has been issued so far regarding the latest allegations.