Raiganj, Aug. 17 -- A section of traders in Islampur of North Dinajpur district have levelled allegations of cheating and extortion against Arun Bardhan, Saha Sabhapati of the BJP's Islampur Mandal-1 committee. The traders alleged that Bardhan had collected more than Rs 10 lakh from several businessmen over the past six years on various promises but failed to return the money.
According to the traders, Bardhan had also allegedly collected money from residents during house construction. A video purportedly showing him
collecting money has recently gone viral on social media. Several traders have initiated legal action against him.
Gautam Kumar Singha, a tea-leaf trader in Islampur, alleged: "Bardhan took Rs 5 lakh from me in 2021, promising to supply tea leaves from his tea garden. Then he provided around Rs 1.5 lakh worth of tea leaves. But failed to repay the remaining Rs 3.5 lakh. When I repeatedly demanded the money, Bardhan provided me with a bank cheque amounting to Rs 3.5 lakh, but the cheque was dishonoured.
Recently, when I wanted money, he threatened to kill me. Subsequently, I filed a suit at the Islampur Sub-Divisional Court."
Another businessman, Gabinda Barman, alleged that Bardhan collected Rs 1 lakh from him in 2020 while he was constructing his house.
Barman claimed that he possesses video footage of the alleged transaction and has also filed a suit along with supporting documents.
Bardhan, however, denied the allegations. He said: "Those who have brought these allegations against me are all TMC members. It is a conspiracy against me."
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.