Kolkata, 21 February (H.S.): An alleged encroachment on government land in Kshirpai municipal area of West Bengal’s Paschim Medinipur district has triggered controversy, with local traders and residents accusing the civic administration of inaction despite prior directives from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

According to local sources, a construction materials trader has allegedly fenced off a portion of government land along a state road in the Kethiyakhala area, raising concerns over illegal occupation of public property.

Small traders and residents have expressed strong resentment against the local administration. In protest, a small traders’ association reportedly put up posters at various locations accusing the municipal authorities of allowing the encroachment. The posters questioned under whose patronage the alleged illegal occupation was taking place and hinted at possible financial transactions behind the move.

The controversy has gained further attention as the Chief Minister had earlier issued clear instructions stating that illegal occupation of government land would not be tolerated under any circumstances. However, critics allege that the directive is being ignored at the local level due to alleged administrative complicity.

Reacting sharply to the development, Kshirpai Mandal BJP General Secretary Kartik Saren alleged that roads in the Kshirpai municipal area are already suffering due to unauthorized storage of construction materials. He further claimed that government land has now been converted into a fenced enclosure.

Saren directly accused the municipal chairman and vice-chairman of facilitating the alleged sale of government land, intensifying the political confrontation over the issue.

No official statement from the municipal authorities was immediately available. The matter is expected to draw further scrutiny in the coming days.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh