Kolkata, Aug. 4 -- A real estate developer was allegedly assaulted in his Dum Dum office after refusing an extortion demand. Police arrested the prime accused, Biswajit Roy alias Tiktiki Raju.
According to the promoter, Amarnath Singh, he had been receiving threatening calls for several days demanding Rs 5 lakh in extortion to allow him to continue his real estate business. Singh said he refused to pay, citing local BJP MLA Arijit Bakshi's earlier assurance that such extortion would not be tolerated.
Singh alleged that on Monday evening, a group of armed miscreants barged into Singh's office and vandalised the premises, smashing furniture before assaulting the promoter. Singh was severely beaten using the butt of a firearm to strike his head. After necessary treatment, Singh lodged a complaint with the Dum Dum Police Station, and a case was registered. On Tuesday, the prime accused was arrested. The incident has sparked political controversy, with allegations that the extortionists invoked the BJP's name to intimidate the promoter.
The local BJP leadership distanced itself from the allegations, asserting that the party does not support extortion and demanding strict action against those responsible.
The local MLA also said the administration would act in accordance with the law, maintaining that the party has no role in such activities.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.