Bappaditya Dasgupta, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor who was recently arrested on charges of extortion, faced a public backlash when residents attacked him with eggs. The incident occurred as he was being produced before a local court in connection with multiple allegations of land grabbing and illegal monetary demands.
Egg Attack During Court Appearance
On Monday, as Dasgupta was escorted by police to the court premises, a group of agitated residents pelted him with eggs, shouting slogans against him. Security personnel quickly intervened to prevent any further escalation. The councillor was taken inside the court building without sustaining any injuries.
Allegations of Land Grabbing and Extortion
Several residents of the ward represented by Dasgupta have accused him of being involved in land-grabbing activities. They claim that he used his political influence to intimidate property owners and force them to sell their land at below-market rates. Those who refused to comply were allegedly threatened with violence or false legal cases.
In addition to land grabbing, Dasgupta is also facing extortion charges. Residents allege that he demanded money from local businesses and individuals in exchange for protection or to avoid harassment. The cumulative evidence led to his arrest earlier this week under multiple sections of the Indian Penal Code.
Political Reactions
The TMC has distanced itself from Dasgupta, stating that the party does not condone any illegal activities. A party spokesperson said, "If any individual is found guilty, strict action will be taken as per the law. The TMC is committed to transparency and justice." Opposition parties, however, have criticized the ruling party, accusing it of harboring criminals and failing to curb corruption within its ranks.
Legal Proceedings
Dasgupta was produced before the magistrate, who remanded him to police custody for further investigation. The court has directed the police to submit a detailed report on the allegations within a week. Meanwhile, the residents have formed a committee to gather more evidence against the councillor and submit it to the authorities.
This incident has once again brought attention to the issue of land grabbing in West Bengal, with many calling for stricter enforcement of property laws and greater accountability for elected representatives.
