MATHABHANGA: Several residents of Mathabhanga in Cooch Behar district have successfully reclaimed the 'cut money' they were forced to pay to local toughs while accessing benefits of government schemes. The practice, which reportedly flourished during the Trinamool Congress (TMC) regime, involved residents paying significant sums to receive funds under the Awas Yojana, for buying or selling land or houses, or for conducting business.
Background of 'Cut Money' Practice
According to a PTI report, the unofficial collection of 'cut money' began after the TMC won the 2021 assembly elections, allegedly by toughs loyal to the party. District TMC authorities, however, denied any involvement in illegal collections, PTI reported.
Return of Money After BJP Came to Power
Demands for the return of 'cut money' intensified across Mathabhanga after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) assumed power in the state. Under mounting pressure, the perpetrators have returned at least part of the money. Locals reported that at least 14 beneficiaries of housing scheme funds in the Subhaspalli area received back the commission taken from them. Similarly, several residents of Fakirerkuthi village under Pachagarh panchayat received their money in cash on Sunday.
Allegations by Local BJP Leaders
Local BJP leader Surendra Barman alleged that villagers were compelled to pay if they wanted to access government welfare schemes or to buy or sell land. At Ghughumari in Mathabhanga subdivision of Cooch Behar, announcements were made through loudspeakers mounted on a rickshaw, calling those who had paid 'cut money.' Villagers who had paid large commissions for housing under the Awas Yojana were told they would receive their money back from a panchayat member's residence on June 4.
Another local BJP leader, Joy Pal, said people who could not speak openly about the ongoing fraud have now gathered courage to do so. He stated that with the change of power in the state, villagers allegedly forced to pay a percentage of their Awas Yojana funds are now fighting for their rights. 'The villagers who received funds under the Awas Yojana were threatened that the next tranche of money would not be released if they did not pay around Rs 15,000 to Rs 20,000 each,' Pal said.
(With PTI inputs)
