Brother of BJP Candidate Detained with Rs 2.8 Lakh Cash in Malda
In a significant development during the ongoing election season, police in Malda district detained Biplab Das, the brother of Chanchal BJP candidate Ratan Das, on Tuesday after recovering Rs 2.8 lakh in cash from his possession. The amount was found to be well above the permissible limit set by election authorities, raising immediate concerns about potential violations of the model code of conduct.
Cash Seized During Routine Check Near Chanchal Border
The incident occurred near Barai village on the Chanchal border in Malda district, where police stopped Biplab Das during a routine check. Authorities discovered the substantial cash amount in his two-wheeler and subsequently seized both the money and his motorcycle as part of standard investigative procedures.
Ratan Das, the BJP candidate whose brother was detained, quickly responded to the situation by stating, "My brother deals in the wholesale medicine trade. The cash was for his business and had nothing to do with politics." This explanation was offered in an attempt to distance the incident from electoral activities.
Political Reactions and Allegations
The detention sparked immediate political reactions from opposing parties. Subhamoy Basu, a prominent Trinamool Congress spokesperson, commented, "Let the police and Election Commission investigate how such a large amount of cash is being carried by BJP men. This is only the tip of the iceberg."
In response, BJP MP Khagen Murmu alleged a conspiracy by the ruling party, stating, "A section of the police is helping TMC by orchestrating such ploys against the BJP. This won't work, as the people know everything." This exchange highlights the heightened political tensions surrounding the incident.
Additional Cash Seizures Reported Across Bengal
Meanwhile, in a separate but related development, authorities seized Rs 2 lakh in cash from an SUV at Patiram in South Dinajpur district. Sources indicated that the vehicle belonged to a former Member of Parliament from Tripura, though specific details about the individual's identity and political affiliation were not immediately disclosed.
Allegations of Voter Bribery in North 24-Parganas
Further complicating the electoral landscape, serious allegations have surfaced against the BJP regarding the distribution of cash to voters in the Hingalganj assembly constituency in North 24-Parganas district. The incident reportedly occurred on Wednesday morning while party leaders were campaigning in support of BJP candidate Rekha Patra.
Police detained local BJP leader Tarun Mondal and former BJP MLA from Assam Kishore Nath in connection with these allegations. According to sources, both individuals were allegedly distributing money to residents at a club in Konkonagar, Hingalganj. Authorities seized the cash and their vehicle as part of the investigation.
Local TMC Demands Immediate Action
Shahidullah Gazi, president of the Hingalganj Block TMC, strongly condemned the alleged activities, stating, "The former BJP MLA from Assam and Tarun Mondal were distributing money to residents. You cannot buy votes in Bengal. Money will not work here. We demand their immediate arrest by the Election Commission and the local administration."
A senior official from the Basirhat district police confirmed that Kishore Nath had come to Hingalganj specifically to campaign for BJP candidate Rekha Patra. The official noted, "Allegations have now surfaced against him for distributing money in an attempt to influence voters. The matter is being investigated."
Election Commission Vigilance Intensifies
These incidents collectively underscore the heightened vigilance of election authorities during this critical period. The Election Commission has implemented strict monitoring mechanisms to prevent cash distribution and other forms of electoral malpractice, with these recent cases demonstrating both the challenges and enforcement efforts in maintaining electoral integrity.
The developments in Malda, South Dinajpur, and North 24-Parganas represent significant flashpoints in West Bengal's electoral landscape, with all parties closely watching how authorities handle these sensitive matters in the days leading up to the elections.
