A major political controversy has emerged in West Bengal after Baduria Municipality Chairman and Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Dipankar Bhattacharya was reportedly arrested in connection with an alleged corruption and relief material misappropriation case.
According to reports, investigating agencies recovered nearly ₹80 lakh in cash and around 500 government relief tarpaulins from a computer training centre allegedly linked to the TMC leader. Earlier raids reportedly led to the seizure of nearly 4,000 government-issued tarpaulins from a party office and a farmhouse associated with him. Authorities suspect that the materials were originally distributed by the central government during relief operations following Cyclone Amphan in 2020.
The incident took place in Baduria in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal. Reports claim that local residents became suspicious after vehicles were allegedly seen moving materials from a party office late at night, prompting police action.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has strongly criticised the ruling Trinamool Congress over the incident, calling it another example of alleged corruption involving public welfare resources. Meanwhile, several local residents have also expressed anger, stating that relief materials meant for disaster-affected families should not have been stored or diverted unlawfully.
Police have reportedly registered multiple cases related to alleged misuse of government property, destruction of evidence, and financial irregularities. The investigation is currently ongoing, and officials are trying to determine whether other individuals were involved in the matter.
As of now, no official statement has been issued by All India Trinamool Congress regarding the allegations or the reported arrest.
