Kolkata: A BJP functionary has been accused of demanding Rs 25,000 from an alleged ganja (cannabis) dealer in New Barrackpore in exchange of allowing the illegal drug trade to continue.
The allegation surfaced after an audio clip, purportedly featuring BJP funtionary Ashok Kar, the treasurer of the BJP’s Kolkata North Suburban district unit, in conversation with a woman, went viral on social media. TOI, however, couldn’t verify the authenticity of the audio clip.
The controversy has triggered protests within the local BJP unit, with party netas demanding disciplinary action against Kar, who claimed he was being framed by members of his own party. “These allegations are false and part of a conspiracy. Some netas and workers from my party are deliberately trying to implicate me. I have never demanded money from anyone. The audio clip was fabricated by forcing a young man to record it,” Kar said.
Meanwhile, police on Wednesday arrested three alleged ganja traffickers from the Nabakamarganti area of New Barrackpore. Officers seized around 9 kg of cannabis from the residence of one of the accused, Bishnu Bairagi. Police arrested Bairagi, his son Bipradas, and Surajit Manna.
“After the change in govt in Bengal, the administration has been taking strict action against illegal cannabis traders. At such a time, allegations have emerged against some netas of our party, including Kar, of extorting money and shielding these illegal activities. Both party and administrative action should be taken against those involved,” said local BJP funtionary Shambhu Samaddar.