A youth worker of the Trinamul Congress was arrested on Sunday after he had allegedly grabbed cash and cellphones from five migrant labourers by impersonating as a police officer at Malda Town station on Saturday night.

Trinamul has sought to distance itself from Akash Saha, who hails from Ratua of Malda district.

According to sources, the migrant workers, all residents of the district, reached the station by train from Bangalore. When they alighted, Saha, along with some of his associates, intercepted them.

"A young man suddenly stopped us and claimed that police had information that we were carrying narcotics. He introduced himself as a sub-inspector of police. Accusing us of being drug peddlers, he started searching our luggage. We were too baffled to stop him. He then took our cellphones and around Rs 10,000 in cash from us and left the spot on a two-wheeler," one of the workers said.

The migrants were doubtful about Saha's identity and went to Englishbazar police station where they filed a complaint.

The police soon picked up Saha and brought him to the station. The labourers identified him as the person who had taken away their phones and cash. The police recovered the stolen items from him, said sources.

A court here on Sunday remanded Saha in police custody for five days.

Saha was often seen at events hosted by Trinamul, especially the youth wing of the party. "I do not know him (Saha). We never endorse such activities," Chandana Haldar, the newly-appointed district president of youth Trinamul, said when asked about Saha's arrest.

Samar Mukherjee, chairman of Malda district Trinamul, said: "The law will take its own course. None from the party will stand by him."

Trinamul insiders said there were allegations that Saha would click photos with senior party leaders and use them to convince others about his influence.