Kolkata, 18 September (H.S.) : Taking strong exception to complaints of extortion being carried out in the name of political leaders, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA Manab Guha from Memari in Purba Bardhaman district has issued a severe warning. He declared that anyone caught extorting money using his name will be tied up on the streets, adding that strict legal action will be initiated to curb this illegal practice.

Addressing a gathering in Memari on Thursday evening during a program organized to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi's birthday and the Sankalp Abhiyan, the legislator expressed deep anger over the ongoing illegal activities. He stated that despite repeated appeals over the past three to four months to stop extortion, certain individuals continue to operate. Guha noted that miscreants are visiting local shops and demanding 5,000 rupees while falsely claiming they were sent by the MLA. Furthermore, complaints have surfaced regarding money being forcefully collected for installing submersible pumps, facilitating water connections, and allowing illegal construction.

The MLA made it clear that strict measures will be enforced not only within the Memari municipal limits but also across rural panchayat areas. He assured the public that he would personally visit the affected spots if necessary and ensure that the accused face severe legal consequences according to the law.

With the new government being roughly four months old, reports of extortion have surfaced from various areas across the state. While the top BJP leadership has voiced concerns and issued warnings, Guha alleged that individuals associated with the Trinamool Congress are primarily behind these activities in his constituency while actively misusing the BJP's name. However, he also expressed concern that some individuals who recently switched from the Trinamool Congress to the BJP, along with a few local party workers, might be providing shelter to these extortionists. Guha emphasized that the political affiliation of the culprits does not matter. He categorically stated that whether the extortion is done by someone from the Trinamool Congress, his own party, or anyone else, the only issue at hand is to stop the extortion completely.

In addition to his warning to extortionists, the legislator expressed strong displeasure over unauthorized construction work. He urged citizens to strictly follow municipal regulations and obtain proper administrative permissions before building houses, installing submersible pumps, or laying water lines. He appealed to the general public to cultivate a habit of following the rules and to immediately stop paying bribes to extortionists in exchange for illegal civic benefits.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh