Allegations of Extortion Shake West Bengal Politics as TMC Leader Found Hiding Under Bed Amid Public Fury

In a widely circulated video shared by Bharatiya Janata Party IT Cell chief Amit Malviya, a Trinamool Congress leader from Mathabhanga in the Cooch Behar district, identified as Shahidul Mia, is seen hiding under a bed after being reportedly surrounded by angry residents. According to reports, Mia has been accused of collecting illegal commissions ranging from 5,000 to 20,000 rupees from beneficiaries in exchange for facilitating access to the Prime Minister’s Housing Scheme.

Malviya claimed that individuals involved in extortion from the poor are now unable to find refuge even inside their homes, alleging that the situation reflects a broader pattern of coercive financial demands linked to welfare distribution in West Bengal. He further stated that fear of public retaliation has forced individuals accused of such practices to return money in several areas.

Reports indicate that following mounting pressure, individuals involved in similar allegations have been seen returning collected funds to residents in various locations. In one instance last week in the Cooch Behar region, announcements were reportedly made using loudspeakers mounted on rickshaws in the Ghughumari area, declaring that money taken illegally for housing scheme benefits would be refunded to villagers, with several residents subsequently receiving reimbursements.

The Bharatiya Janata Party has alleged that in West Bengal, refusal to pay bribes often results in denial of access to government welfare benefits. The Trinamool Congress has officially responded, stating that the party has no connection with any form of illegal extortion activities.

In a separate development, Swarup Biswas, the brother of former West Bengal minister Arup Biswas and former president of the Federation of Cine Technicians and Workers of Eastern India, was arrested on Thursday evening on charges of extortion and criminal intimidation. Police action followed a complaint filed by a woman who alleged that she had been denied work for nearly two years. She further claimed that when she approached Biswas seeking employment opportunities, he demanded money and issued threats.

Authorities confirmed that the arrest was carried out after examining the complaint, which also included allegations of intimidation and coercion linked to professional opportunities.

The incidents have intensified political tensions in West Bengal, highlighting growing accusations and counterclaims between major political forces over corruption allegations tied to welfare distribution systems.