Over a hundred Trinamul supporters in South Dinajpur raised a road blockade on a state highway for two hours on Wednesday, demanding the arrest of a block president of the party.

The leader, they alleged, has taken money from people, including party workers, while promising them jobs.

At around 10am, the supporters assembled in Azmatpur area under Tapan block of the district. They laid tree trunks to block the Tapan-Kardaha state highway while shouting slogans against Anadi Lahiri, Trinamul president of the block.

As a result, traffic movement came to a halt along the stretch. Police officials, along with personnel of the combat force, reached the spot.

Anowar Sarkar, a booth president of Trinamul in the block, said Anadi Lahiri had taken 2.5 lakhs from me while ensuring a civic volunteer’s job from his son.

“I filed a complaint with the police and also informed the party but no step was taken against him. Instead, we are being threatened from various quarters. We want his removal from the block president’s post and the police should also take steps against him. Or else, we will intensify our movement,” said Sarkar, who joined the protests.

Some other protesters mentioned that on May 1, a video showing Lahiri allegedly taking money while promising jobs went viral on social media.

On May 19, Sarkar filed a police complaint and on the same day night, Lahiri made a suicide attempt by consuming sleeping pills. He was rushed to the hospital and provided necessary treatment.

After the incident, Lahiri’s wife filed a complaint, and Sarkar and some others. This irked the other side.

“District leaders should intervene immediately. It is necessary to ensure that such acts don’t damage the party’s prospects in the block ahead of the rural polls,” said a protester.

The demonstration continued for two hours and was withdrawn following assurances from the police. The road was cleared and traffic movement was restored.

Lahiri, however, could not be contacted. He was also not available at his home. Also, calls made to him went unanswered.

Mrinal Sarkar, the district Trinamul president, said they are looking into the issue.

“We have informed the state leadership about the allegations and are waiting for instructions. Also, police are probing into the case,” he said.