West Bengal, 1 August (H.S.): The Calcutta High Court has ordered the filing of an FIR against the Asansol Municipality following allegations that it accepted ₹20 lakh in exchange for not demolishing an illegal construction.

A company had sought permission to expand its factory, which had earlier been deemed illegal by the municipality. Despite issuing a demolition notice, the municipality allegedly withdrew its order after receiving the payment and later demanded an additional ₹20 lakh. Justice Gaurang Kanth questioned how the civic body could accept money in such a case and called it a punishable offense. The court has directed an urgent hearing of the case on Monday.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey