Trinamool civic chief held in Bengal for burning official records, BJP alleges housing scheme cover-up

Kolkata, June 13 (IANS) The West Bengal Police have arrested Trinamool Congress leader and Ashoknagar-Kalyangarh Municipality Chairperson Prabodh Sarkar for allegedly burning crucial municipal documents at his residence, officials said on Saturday.

The BJP was quick to allege that Sarkar was under scrutiny over suspected irregularities in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and that the burnt documents might have contained records related to the scheme.

Sarkar was arrested by the Ashoknagar Police late on Friday night following complaints from local residents, who reportedly noticed a fire in the garden of his house and alerted authorities.

The Ashoknagar-Kalyangarh Municipality is currently governed by the Trinamool Congress (TMC).

According to the police, residents became suspicious after seeing documents being burnt and informed local BJP leaders. The BJP workers rushed to the spot and alleged that Sarkar refused to come out of the house despite repeated calls. The police were subsequently informed.

The police entered the premises of the chairperson after scaling the boundary wall, as the gate was locked. Sarkar later emerged from the house and claimed that he was burning dry leaves in the garden.

However, the BJP leaders alleged that the fire involved municipal identity cards and other official government documents, raising concerns about an attempt to destroy evidence. Based on the complaint, the police arrested Sarkar and took him into custody for questioning.

Local BJP leaders further alleged that the municipality chairperson faces several allegations related to the implementation of the housing scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana. They claimed the documents were burnt to destroy evidence of the alleged irregularities and corruption linked to the housing scheme.

The police have launched an investigation into the matter.

The arrest comes amid an ongoing crackdown by the BJP-led state government on alleged corruption and illegal activities involving political leaders. Over the past month, several leaders and councillors associated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) have been arrested in different parts of the state on charges ranging from corruption to extortion.

The state government has maintained that strict action will be taken against any public representative facing credible allegations of corruption or misuse of office. Authorities said the investigation into the alleged destruction of municipal records is continuing.

–IANS

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