Howrah: BJP MLA from Amta, Amit Samanta, lodged an FIR at the local police station, alleging that miscreants were extorting money from residents and business owners by using his name. Police have arrested four people so far.
“Based on the MLA’s complaint, we have arrested four individuals. We suspect a larger racket is at work behind this,” a senior police officer said.
Samanta alleged that unidentified individuals were visiting factories, commercial establishments and construction sites across the constituency, intimidating owners to collect money. He added that ever since he was elected, he has been receiving direct complaints from factory owners regarding extortion demands made by people claiming to be BJP workers.
“Miscreants are also demanding money in my name by raising false allegations of illegal construction. I have urged the victims to immediately report such elements to the police,” Samanta said.
To counter the scam, BJP workers launched a door-to-door awareness campaign, distributing leaflets featuring the MLA’s personal phone number. Samanta also took to Facebook to warn offenders, posting: “If anyone is found involved in such activities, strict legal action will be taken against them.”
The MLA claimed the Trinamool Congress was orchestrating the extortion racket to defame him and the saffron party. The Left and Congress, meanwhile, seized on the MLA’s social media post to hit out at the BJP, alleging that corruption thrived under its watch.