Massive Civic Scam Exposed in Dum Dum and Bidhannagar: BJP MLA Alleges Land Grabbing and Backdated Approvals

Severe allegations of corruption, fund embezzlement, and the regularisation of illegal constructions have surfaced against arrested Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor Debraj Chakraborty and his close associates.

The sprawling irregularities, which allegedly plagued the South Dum Dum and Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation areas for years, were recently brought to light by Rajarhat Gopalpur's BJP MLA, Tarunjyoti Tewari. Issuing a stern warning, Tewari declared that ruthless action will be taken to dismantle this syndicate of civic corruption.

Schools Erased for Private Profit

The heart of the embezzlement allegations centers around Ward No. 18 of the South Dum Dum Municipality. According to Tewari, a local resident had generously donated land to the civic body with the specific intent of building a kindergarten for the community's children. The school was successfully built and operational.

However, during the TMC's tenure, Debraj Chakraborty and his close aide, local councillor Sanjay Das, allegedly orchestrated the closure of the educational institution.

The school was quickly replaced by a lucrative badminton coaching center named ‘Khelaghar’. Furthermore, a tennis academy was constructed directly above the local municipal health center. Tewari, who personally visited the sites after receiving complaints, revealed that the hefty rental revenues generated from both sports facilities bypassed the municipal treasury entirely and went straight into the pockets of Councillor Sanjay Das.

Similar allegations apply to several community halls constructed using municipal funds. Rent collected from public bookings was reportedly hoarded by the councillor, with no records existing in the civic body’s ledgers.

(Note: Shortly after the recent change of power in the state, Sanjay Das was found dead in his home. His body was recovered hanging from the ceiling, leading authorities to suspect suicide.)

The Backdated Construction Scam

The web of corruption extends beyond South Dum Dum. MLA Tarunjyoti Tewari has also leveled explosive allegations regarding an illegal construction racket operating in the Rajarhat Gopalpur area.

Tewari pointed fingers at former Rajarhat Newtown MLA, Tapas Chatterjee, who previously served as the chairman of the Rajarhat Gopalpur Municipality before it was absorbed into the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation.

According to the BJP MLA, illegal building plans continued to be approved long after the merger. To bypass the new Bidhannagar civic laws, Chatterjee allegedly authorized these new, unauthorized building plans by signing them with backdated timestamps. This loophole made it appear as though the illegal structures had been legally sanctioned during the tenure of the old municipality.

Denials and Defense

Former MLA Tapas Chatterjee has completely refuted the accusations. Issuing a strong denial, Chatterjee stated that he severed all ties with the building plan approval process the moment the Rajarhat Gopalpur Municipality was officially merged into the Bidhannagar Municipal Corporation. He claims no backdated documents were ever signed by him.

As investigations loom, the uncovering of these civic malpractices points toward a massive loss of public revenue and gross misuse of municipal infrastructure.