Kolkata, 09 February (H.S.):
Tension prevailed in Kolaghat area of Purba Medinipur district following allegations of illegal felling of government-owned trees, with a local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader named in a police complaint. An FIR has been registered against TMC leader and contractor Shah Alam Malida for allegedly cutting trees worth several lakhs of rupees from land belonging to the Irrigation Department by misusing his political influence.
According to information, Shah Alam Malida, along with his associates, reached the Kalagachhia mouza on Sunday and began cutting trees standing along the roadside on Irrigation Department land. When local villagers demanded to see valid permission documents, he reportedly failed to produce any legitimate approval, leading to heightened tension at the spot.
BJP vice-pradhan of the local gram panchayat, Shibnath Samanta, along with panchayat member Sujata Chand, arrived at the scene. Samanta alleged that when he protested against the illegal tree felling, the TMC leader threatened him with dire consequences and behaved inappropriately with the woman panchayat member. Villagers claimed that on the leader’s instructions, five Akashmoni trees and one Sirish tree had already been cut. The accused later produced a “work order” amid the commotion, which was reportedly declared invalid by the local administration.
Upon receiving information, police from Kolaghat Police Station, officials of the Forest Department, and Kolaghat Block Development Officer (BDO) Amiya Kumar Chand rushed to the spot. The authorities seized all the felled trees. The BDO clarified that no valid permission had been granted for cutting the trees.
On Monday morning, BJP leader Shibnath Samanta alleged that Shah Alam Malida is an influential TMC leader who attempted to steal government property using a forged work order. He said formal complaints had been lodged with the police and the Forest Department, demanding strict action against the accused.
The accused TMC leader, Shah Alam Malida, has so far refused to comment on the allegations. Police said an investigation into the matter is underway.
Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh
