Kolkata: Abhijit Das, popularly known as Bobby, who contested the Lok Sabha elections from Diamond Harbour against Trinamool Congress national general secretary Abhishek Banerjee, has lodged a fresh First Information Report (FIR) alleging that senior Trinamool functionaries were involved in an illegal soil excavation and smuggling racket worth over Rs 300 crore in the Bishnupur-Bakrahat region.
New FIR Filed Late Monday Night
The complaint was filed late on Monday night at the Kalitala-Asuti police station, triggering a fresh political storm in South 24 Parganas district. The FIR names Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee, his close aide Sumit Roy, and jailed Bishnupur Trinamool MLA Dilip Mondal among 23 accused individuals.
Details of the Alleged Racket
According to the complaint, approximately 163 bighas of land across multiple locations were systematically excavated in phases. The extracted soil was then sold through illegal channels over several years, causing substantial financial losses to the state exchequer and massive ecological degradation.
Das claimed that the unauthorized extraction began in 2017 and intensified drastically during 2022 and 2023. The illegal operations not only deprived the government of revenue but also led to severe environmental damage in the region.
Political Reactions
Speaking to reporters after filing the complaint, Das made a sharp remark targeting Abhishek Banerjee: “MP Abhishek Banerjee is not a son of this soil, so how would he understand its value?” The statement underscores the escalating political tensions in the area.
Background of the Accused
Abhishek Banerjee is a key leader of the Trinamool Congress and the nephew of West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. Sumit Roy is considered one of his closest associates, while Dilip Mondal is currently in judicial custody in connection with other cases. The inclusion of these prominent figures has raised the stakes in the ongoing political battle.
Environmental and Financial Impact
The illegal excavation has caused extensive damage to agricultural land and local ecosystems. Environmental experts warn that such activities can lead to soil erosion, loss of fertility, and disruption of water tables. The financial loss to the state is estimated to be over Rs 300 crore, based on the market value of the extracted soil.
The FIR demands a thorough investigation into the racket and prosecution of all those involved. Das has urged the police to take swift action and uncover the full extent of the conspiracy.
Political Storm in South 24 Parganas
The allegations have added fuel to the already heated political climate in South 24 Parganas, a region where the Trinamool Congress faces stiff opposition from the BJP and other parties. The case is likely to be used by opposition parties to attack the ruling party ahead of upcoming elections.
As the investigation unfolds, all eyes are on the police and the state government's response to these serious charges.
