Corruption – Cash Hoard Unearthed After Bengal Civic Chief’s Arrest
Corruption – The West Bengal Police has disclosed that more than Rs 2 crore in cash was recovered from land linked to Dipankar Bhattacharya, the chairman of the Trinamool Congress-run Baduria Municipality in North 24 Parganas district. The discovery came days after his arrest in connection with corruption allegations that have triggered political reactions across the state.
Large Cash Recovery During Police Search
Officials said the money was found packed inside four trolley bags and a sack buried beneath farmland reportedly owned by Bhattacharya. According to investigators, the cash consisted mainly of Rs 500 notes. Bank officers were present while the currency was counted multiple times before authorities confirmed the total amount at Rs 2.24 crore.
Police sources stated that the recovery operation was carried out on Wednesday after Bhattacharya allegedly informed investigators during questioning that additional money had been concealed on the property. Officers later escorted him to the farmland, where the buried bags were dug out in the presence of officials.
Earlier Seizure Increased Total Amount
The latest recovery came shortly after Bhattacharya’s arrest earlier this week at a hotel in Baduria. During that operation, law enforcement officers had already seized Rs 80 lakh in cash from his possession. With the newly recovered amount added, the total cash linked to the case has now reached Rs 3.04 crore.
Authorities produced Bhattacharya before a district court on Tuesday, where he was remanded to police custody for further interrogation. Investigators are continuing to examine the source of the cash and whether it is connected to broader financial irregularities.
Longstanding Allegations Under Investigation
Police officials indicated that complaints against Bhattacharya had existed for a considerable period. Investigators are now reviewing several allegations related to misuse of public resources and suspected financial misconduct during his tenure as municipal chairman.
Earlier investigations had also led to the recovery of nearly 4,000 government tarpaulins from a local Trinamool Congress office as well as a garden property reportedly linked to Bhattacharya. The materials were allegedly meant for public distribution schemes.
Political Complaints Led to Arrest
The arrest followed two separate complaints submitted at the local police station. One complaint was filed by the CPI(M), while another came from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Based on these allegations, police initiated action that resulted in Bhattacharya’s detention on Monday night.
The case has since become a major political issue in the district, with opposition parties questioning how such a large quantity of cash could be accumulated and hidden. Investigators are now examining financial records and other documents to trace possible links between the recovered money and alleged corruption activities.
Focus on Housing Scheme and Extortion Claims
According to police sources, two major accusations are currently being examined. The first relates to alleged commission payments connected to allotments under the Banglar Bari housing scheme introduced during the earlier Trinamool Congress administration.
The second allegation involves claims of extortion targeting local residents and traders in the Baduria area. Investigators are expected to question additional individuals as part of the ongoing inquiry.
Officials have not yet disclosed whether further searches or arrests are likely in connection with the case. However, police said the investigation remains active and more evidence may emerge during the coming days.