Hooghly, 26 May 26 (H.S.): Tension and political uproar gripped the Shyambazar area of Goghat on Monday after posters demanding the return of alleged “cut money” and corruption proceeds appeared outside the homes of two former Trinamool Congress leaders.

The posters were reportedly found outside the residences of former Goghat-II Panchayat Samiti functionary and ex-block TMC president Shahabuddin Khan and his brother Giasuddin Khan, triggering intense discussion across the area.

Local residents alleged that the two brothers rose rapidly in influence during the TMC regime and amassed huge wealth within a decade. Villagers claimed that the brothers, who once lived in dilapidated mud houses, later built multi-storey mansions and became politically untouchable in the area.

According to locals, Shahabuddin Khan became a powerful figure after being appointed to key organisational posts in Goghat-II, while his brother Giasuddin Khan’s political rise accelerated after he became the head of the Shyambazar panchayat in 2018.

Residents alleged that the brothers’ wealth came from cut money, extortion and corruption. Some locals also levelled serious allegations of intimidation, coercion and harassment against the leaders and their associates. Traders allegedly had to provide goods free of cost, while those protesting reportedly faced threats, assault and vandalism.

Several villagers compared the atmosphere in the area to the situation once seen in Sandeshkhali, alleging that fear had dominated village life for years.

After the change in political power in the state, residents said people have now started speaking openly against the alleged excesses of local leaders. Many demanded that money allegedly collected illegally from common people be returned.

However, Shahabuddin Khan and Giasuddin Khan denied all allegations, claiming that attempts were being made to frame them through politically motivated accusations.

The appearance of the posters on Monday has further intensified political tension in the region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey