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Bengal Sand Mafia Exposed: BJP MLA Demands ED Probe Into TMC Links

BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul has written to the Enforcement Directorate seeking a probe into alleged links between TMC leaders and sand mafias. She specifically accused TMC councillor Tarun Chakraborty of facilitating illegal sand mining from Damra Ghat on the Damodar River. The illegal extraction is causing environmental damage and making the river dangerous for local residents. Meanwhile, the accused councillor has denied all allegations, claiming poor locals are involved in sand collection for their livelihood.

Key Points: BJP MLA Seeks ED Probe TMC Leaders Sand Mafia Bengal

  • BJP MLA alleges TMC councillor aids illegal sand extraction from Damra Ghat
  • Illegal mining causing environmental damage and river course changes
  • ED already arrested businessman Arun Saraf in sand smuggling case
  • TMC councillor denies involvement, claims poor locals extract sand
  • Roads destroyed by continuous movement of sand-laden vehicles
  • Multiple sand smuggling gangs operating across West Bengal
2 min read

BJP MLA seeks ED probe into nexus between Trinamool leaders and sand mafia in Bengal

BJP MLA Agnimitra Paul accuses TMC councillor of illegal sand mining from Damodar River, seeks ED investigation into political-mafia nexus in West Bengal.

"The Damodar River is losing its course due to illegal sand mining. Many places have become dangerous. - Agnimitra Paul"

Kolkata, Nov 19

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has written to the Enforcement Directorate (ED), seeking a comprehensive investigation by the central agency to unearth the alleged nexus between Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders and sand smuggling mafias in West Bengal.

BJP MLA from Asansol (Dakshin) legislator Agnimitra Paul, accused Tarun Chakraborty, the councillor of Ward Number 87 of Asansol Municipal Corporation, of actively aiding and abetting the unauthorised extraction of sand from Damra Ghat on the Damodar River, and collecting significant amounts of money from the operation.

The fashion designer-turned-politician also listed several alleged sand smuggling gangs in her letter to the ED.

“The Damodar River is losing its course due to illegal sand mining. Many places have become dangerous. Several people are losing their lives while taking a bath,” Paul said on Tuesday evening.

Detailing about the letter to the ED, she said, "The roads of various villages are being destroyed due to continuous movement of sand-laden lorries and tractors. The environment is getting polluted in an alarming manner. I will immediately request the ED to intervene in this matter.”

This development follows the ED's earlier arrest of a businessman, Arun Saraf, in connection with a sand smuggling case in the state, the first such arrest in West Bengal.

The ED has since conducted searches across various locations, including a businessman’s residence in Asansol, focusing on the illicit sand extraction network.

This time, MLA Agnimitra Paul has directly levelled an allegation against the Trinamool councillor on the sand smuggling issue.

In response to the allegations of the BJP legislator, TMC councillor Tarun Chakraborty denied any involvement in the illegal activities.

"We have been seeing sand being removed from Damra Ghat since childhood. Sand is still being removed from Damra Ghat. Local poor and unemployed people, especially the youngsters, take the sand on bicycles, rickshaws or tractors. I have no connection with this," the TMC leader told media persons on Wednesday, dismissing the accusations as baseless.

He claimed to have already written to various authorities regarding the illegal sand mining from the ghat.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

R
Rohit P
This sand mining issue has been going on for years. Local people know what's happening but are afraid to speak up. Hope ED's intervention brings some justice to the common people affected by this.
A
Arjun K
While I support action against illegal mining, I hope this isn't just political drama before elections. We need genuine solutions, not political point-scoring. The environment and people's lives are at stake here.
S
Sarah B
The councillor's defense sounds weak - "we've seen it since childhood" doesn't make it right! If he knew about illegal activities, why didn't he take stronger action earlier? 🤔
V
Vikram M
Illegal sand mining is destroying our rivers and environment across India. This needs to stop everywhere, not just in Bengal. Good that ED is taking action! 👍
M
Michael C
The real victims are the poor people who depend on these rivers for their livelihood and daily needs. Hope the investigation focuses on helping them rather than just political battles.

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