The West Bengal Police have detained Prabodh Sarkar, a Trinamool Congress leader and Chairperson of Ashoknagar-Kalyangarh Municipality, for allegedly setting fire to important municipal papers at his home. The BJP raised concerns that Sarkar was being investigated for suspected irregularities in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, suggesting that the destroyed documents might have contained information about the program.
Sarkar was taken into custody by Ashoknagar Police late on Friday following reports from locals who observed a fire in his garden and notified the authorities. The Ashoknagar-Kalyangarh Municipality is presently under the governance of the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Residents grew suspicious upon witnessing documents being burned and informed local BJP officials. Allegations were made that Sarkar, despite calls, refused to exit his residence. Subsequently, the police were contacted. They accessed the chairperson’s property by scaling the boundary wall as the gate was locked. Sarkar later emerged and stated that he was burning dry leaves in the garden.
However, BJP leaders claimed that the fire involved municipal identity cards and other official government documents, sparking concerns of a potential cover-up. In response to the complaint, Sarkar was apprehended by the police for interrogation. Local BJP representatives further asserted that the chairperson faces multiple accusations regarding the implementation of the housing scheme under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, suggesting that the documents were destroyed to conceal evidence of alleged misconduct and corruption associated with the program.
An inquiry into the incident has been initiated by the police. This arrest occurs amidst a broader campaign by the BJP-led state government to combat corruption and illicit activities involving political figures. In recent weeks, various leaders and council members affiliated with the Trinamool Congress (TMC) have been arrested across the state on charges ranging from corruption to extortion. The state government has emphasized its commitment to taking stringent action against any public official confronted with credible corruption allegations or abuse of power. Authorities have confirmed that the investigation into the suspected destruction of municipal records is ongoing.
