The chief of a panchayat samiti run by the Trinamul Congress in Cooch Behar district was accused of vandalising the chamber of a state government official on Friday, alleging corruption in including the names in the list of beneficiaries of Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
But Mafiz Mian, the sabhapati of Dinhata 1 panchayat samiti, denied the charge.
Mian reached the Dinhata 1 block development office with his associates and other members of the samiti on Friday afternoon. “They barged into the chamber of Sukalyan Bhattacharya, the block informatics officer (BIO), and alleged that he was taking Rs 5,000 each from villagers to include their names in the beneficiaries’ list of the PMAY,” said a source.
An altercation ensued and soon, Mian and his associates allegedly damaged the furniture and computer in Bhattacharya’s room.
A police team arrived soon. Mian and others left the office after some time.
“We have specific information that the BIO and some other employees of the block are taking Rs 5,000 from villagers to enrol them as PMAY beneficiaries. That is why we resorted to a protest today. There was no vandalism,” said Mian.
Samsul Haque, a Trinamul member of the panchayat samiti, echoed him. “Genuine PMAY applicants are approaching us, complaining that they are not enlisted as beneficiaries though we have forwarded their names to officials,” he alleged.
Sources said senior officials had sought a report from the block development office following the alleged vandalism.
Bhattacharya, the BIO, was brief in his reaction. “Everyone can see what has happened. I will not comment further,” he said.
Madanmohan Murmu, the BDO, termed it as a “minor issue.” “There were some problems. Eventually, they have been settled,” he said.
Leader hacked
Rafikul Mian, the Trinamul Congress president of Panishala panchayat in Cooch Behar, was hacked by suspected party supporters on Thursday late evening. He is under treatment at a private nursing home. The incident occurred at the local market.