Kolkata, 05 August (H.S.): The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has suspended 22 party workers in West Bengal over allegations of extortion and other acts of indiscipline, reiterating its zero tolerance policy against such activities.

According to party sources, 250 leaders and workers were served show-cause notices following complaints of misconduct. So far, the party has reviewed 102 cases. Responses from 80 individuals were found satisfactory and they were cleared of the charges, while 22 workers were suspended after failing to provide satisfactory explanations.

In a separate development, Rakesh Majhi, a BJP leader from Jamuria in Paschim Bardhaman district, was arrested by police on allegations of extorting money from sand-laden trucks. A video purportedly showing him collecting money went viral on social media, following which police initiated action and arrested him. A court has remanded the accused to three days of police custody.

Earlier, West Bengal BJP President had publicly warned party members against extortion and other unethical activities, stating that the party and the government would follow a zero tolerance policy in such matters.

Former West Bengal BJP President had also said that the culture of extortion would not be tolerated and that police had been instructed to take legal action whenever such complaints were received. He added that the party was closely monitoring the situation.

Party sources indicated that disciplinary action could be expanded further. While decisions have been taken in 102 cases, the remaining 148 cases are still under examination by the party's disciplinary committee. If the allegations are found to be true, more suspensions may follow.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey