Alipurduar, Aug. 5 -- Alipurduar MLA Paritosh Das has alleged a multi-crore financial scam in the Alipurduar Municipality and claimed that a special audit team from the state government is likely to visit the civic body shortly to conduct a detailed inquiry.
In a video message posted on social media, the BJP MLA said the team could remain in Alipurduar for up to 15 days, if necessary, to scrutinise financial records, development projects, bills, vouchers and other official documents. His statement has fuelled fresh political and administrative speculation over the alleged irregularities.
Das claimed that a state audit team had earlier inspected the municipality during the 2025-26 financial year, examining project-wise expenditure and accounts across various departments.
According to him, the audit report submitted to the state government highlighted alleged financial irregularities involving several crores of rupees, accounting discrepancies and serious lapses in the execution of multiple development projects.
He further alleged that the municipality was subsequently issued a show-cause notice and that a more comprehensive follow-up investigation is now being planned.
Das said: "Following my representation, Khalil Ahmed, Principal Secretary of the Department of Urban Development and Municipal Affairs, assured me that a special inquiry, audit and verification of records would be conducted. Appropriate action would be taken if the inquiry establishes any misappropriation of government funds."
The MLA also urged contractors who had received work orders through due process to resume pending development projects, alleging that uncertainty surrounding the municipality had stalled several civic works.
"I have discussed the matter with the state's Chief Secretary and Urban Development and Municipal Affairs Minister Agnimitra Pal, who assured me that sanctioned funds would be released," he said.
Repeated attempts to contact former municipality chairman Prasenjit Kar for his response were unsuccessful.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.