‘Cut Money’ Row Rocks Bengal After TMC Defeat
Villagers protest against Trinamool leaders over alleged bribes in welfare schemes
- Protests erupt against TMC leaders in Howrah and Cooch Behar
- Villagers allege bribes for housing and job scheme benefits
- Suvendu Adhikari vows crackdown on “cut money” culture
- Government says UPI records can be used as evidence
GG News Bureau
Kolkata, 17th May: Allegations of “cut money” collection by leaders of the All India Trinamool Congress have triggered protests in several parts of West Bengal following the formation of the BJP’s first government in the state.
In one such incident in Howrah district, local women staged a protest outside the residence of Anjali Dalui, pradhan of the Kachmuli Panchayat in Amta, over allegations of collecting bribes for facilitating benefits under housing and employment schemes.
Villagers alleged that Dalui and her husband Tarun Dalui forced beneficiaries to pay money to access funds under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and secure work under the rural employment scheme.
Angry protesters, including several women, reportedly threw bricks and stones at the house and vandalised parts of the premises.
Police and central forces personnel later reached the spot and brought the situation under control.
A similar protest was reported earlier this week from Cooch Behar district where villagers accused panchayat member Mujibur Rahman of taking bribes in the name of providing houses under the Banglar Bari project.
Residents surrounded Rahman’s residence in Panishala Gram Panchayat and held demonstrations carrying placards against the alleged extortion.
Reacting to the incidents, Suvendu Adhikari said his government would take strict action against the “cut money” culture in the state.
Addressing reporters after an administrative meeting in Diamond Harbour, Adhikari announced that illegal extortion from auto-rickshaws, e-rickshaws, street vendors and syndicates would no longer be tolerated.
“If anyone approaches you for money, the public should proceed directly to the nearest police station and lodge a complaint,” the Chief Minister said.
He also instructed police to act immediately in cases where electronic proof of bribery or “cut money” payments is available.
According to the Chief Minister, UPI transaction records and direct bank transfers would be accepted as admissible evidence for initiating arrests in such cases.
The allegations against local Trinamool leaders have intensified political tensions in the state after the party’s recent electoral setback.
