North 24 Paragnas, 02 June (H.S.): Sensation gripped the Baduria area of North 24 Parganas district after the body of a Trinamool Congress (TMC) Panchayat chief was found hanging inside his residence. The deceased has been identified as Jahidul Haque Baidya, the Pradhan of Yadurhati Uttar Gram Panchayat. His body was recovered from his home on Tuesday morning.

According to the police, the incident initially appears to be a case of suicide. However, an investigation has been launched to ascertain the exact cause of death, and all possible angles are being examined.

Local sources said that Jahidul Haque Baidya had been at the center of several controversies in recent days. Residents of the area had staged repeated protests against him, alleging corruption and financial irregularities. One of the major allegations was that he had allegedly sold an advanced battery-operated garbage collection vehicle provided to the Panchayat under the Swachh Bharat Mission and misappropriated the proceeds.

On May 31, a large number of local residents gathered outside his residence to protest against the alleged corruption. The protesters demanded his arrest and a thorough investigation into the accusations. Complaints were also lodged with the police.

Following the protest, officers from Baduria Police Station reportedly visited his residence as part of the inquiry. However, Jahidul was not found at home at that time. Local residents also claimed that he was under severe financial pressure due to mounting debts.

The police have sent the body for post-mortem examination and initiated a detailed investigation. Authorities are probing all possibilities, including suicide, financial distress, and any other factors that may have contributed to his death.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey