Panchayat member alleges death threat by Zilla Parishad leader, wife

Alipurduar, June 8 -- A Panchayat member has lodged a complaint with Alipurduar Police Station against the Sahakari Sabhadhipati of Alipurduar Zilla Parishad and his wife, alleging that they threatened to kill him by brandishing a firearm after he objected to alleged illegal sand mining activities. The allegations have sparked political reactions and prompted residents to demand a police investigation.

According to the complaint filed by Parimal Ghosh, a Panchayat member from Booth No. 12/34 under Patlakhawa Gram Panchayat in Alipurduar-I Block, Manoranjan Dey and his wife, Sikha Dey, were allegedly involved in extracting sand from the Shiltorsa River even after the expiry of the mining lease and tender period. The complaint also alleges that sand and boulders extracted from the riverbed were stockpiled illegally at various locations.

Ghosh alleged that sand was being removed from stockpiles on the Shiltorsa riverbed when he, along with several local residents, went to the site and tried to stop the activity.

"The accused threatened me with a firearm and warned me of serious consequences. They also threatened to demolish my house and set it on fire. Fearing for my safety, I left the area and later lodged a written complaint with the police," he claimed. He has sought a fair investigation, immediate arrests, and strict legal action against those found responsible.

Manoranjan Dey is a prominent political figure in Alipurduar district. A former president of the Alipurduar-I Block Trinamool Congress, he currently serves as the Sahakari Sabhadhipati of the Alipurduar Zilla Parishad. The filing of a formal police complaint has brought the allegations under official scrutiny.

The incident drew considerable attention on Sunday night, with a section of local residents submitting a mass deputation at the police station demanding a fair and impartial investigation.

Reacting to the development, BJP Alipurduar district president Mithu Das said: "The law is equal for everyone. Whoever violates the law, irrespective of position or political affiliation, must face action in accordance with the law."

Repeated attempts to contact Manoranjan Dey for his response were unsuccessful.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.