Political Turmoil Erupts in Contai Over Viral Audio Alleging Molestation
A significant political controversy has unfolded in East Midnapore's Contai region following the widespread circulation of an audio clip that purportedly features a woman panchayat pradhan detailing a distressing incident of molestation. This scandal has resulted in the resignation of Bikas Bez, the president of the Kanthi-III panchayat samiti, from his official post and all associated party roles on Saturday, marking a dramatic turn in local governance.
Alleged Incident and Viral Spread
According to information gathered from local sources, the alleged molestation is said to have occurred when the woman pradhan visited the panchayat samiti office to engage in discussions regarding recommendations for road development projects. It is claimed that Bikas Bez engaged in obscene behavior and attempted to molest her during this meeting, raising serious concerns about safety and conduct in public offices.
In the aftermath of the incident, the woman reportedly reached out to senior leaders of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) to file a complaint over the telephone. A recording of this conversation was subsequently leaked and rapidly disseminated across various social media platforms, amplifying the scandal and drawing widespread public attention and outrage.
Political Reactions and Resignation
The controversy intensified when Suvendu Adhikari, the Leader of the Opposition (LoP), utilized the social media platform X to publicly condemn the alleged incident. He strongly urged the police to take suo-motu cognisance of the matter and initiate a thorough investigation to ensure justice and accountability.
Facing mounting pressure from both political circles and the public, Bikas Bez submitted his resignation on Saturday afternoon. In his defense, Bez asserted that the allegations against him are part of a broader political conspiracy aimed at tarnishing his reputation. He stated, "The conspiracy against me is highly condemnable. I do not wish to hold any office until my name is cleared. I am resigning from both the Panchayat Samiti and the party to ensure a fair atmosphere." This move has sparked debates about political motives and transparency in the region.
Police Monitoring and Ongoing Developments
In response to the escalating situation, Mitun Kumar De, the Superintendent of Police (SP) for East Midnapore, confirmed that law enforcement authorities are closely monitoring the developments. The police are assessing the viral audio clip and related complaints to determine the appropriate course of action, which may include a formal inquiry into the allegations.
This incident has not only highlighted issues of gender safety and misconduct in local governance but also underscored the powerful role of social media in shaping political narratives. As the community awaits further updates, the resignation of Bikas Bez marks a critical moment in Contai's political landscape, with potential implications for future accountability measures and public trust.
