Kolkata, 23 February (H.S.):

Leader of Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, launched a scathing attack on the state government and administration, alleging that vehicles are stopped and extorted in the name of checkpoints. He said that this system has now become a form of patrimonial corruption, and that drivers who refuse to pay are subjected to false cases or assault and harassment.

Adhikari shared a video on the social media platform X on Monday, claiming that a certain section of civic volunteers or home guards, in connivance with the police, are involved in such activities. He alleged that these individuals do not hesitate to assault truck drivers and helpers, even though the law gives them no authority to do so.

In his post, Suvendu also shared a video in which a civic volunteer or home guard is allegedly seen beating a truck driver with a stick for no reason. The officer stated that legal action can be taken against any driver who violates the law, but Indian law does not permit such violence under any circumstances.

He demanded that the administration immediately identify the concerned civic volunteer or home guard and take strict legal and punitive action against them. However, he alleged that such incidents continue to occur due to the tacit consent of the government and administration.

In his statement, Suvendu Adhikari said that change is necessary in the current situation in the state, and that a change in the government is essential.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey