Asansol: A controversy erupted on Monday morning after BJP MLA from Asansol South, Agnimitra Paul, accused traffic police personnel and civic volunteers of extortion near the Maa Ghaghar Buri Temple on National Highway 19. A video of the incident has since gone viral on social media, sparking widespread discussion.
According to eyewitness accounts, officers of the Asansol South Traffic Guard, accompanied by civic volunteers, were conducting routine vehicle checks on NH-19. At around that time, MLA Agnimitra Paul was passing through the area. The viral footage shows her stopping her vehicle, stepping out, and confronting the on-duty police personnel.
Paul alleged that the police were stopping vehicles to extort money. She further claimed that three civic volunteers fled the scene upon spotting her. “Why did they run away as soon as they saw me? Does my arrival mean their duty was over? Or did they panic thinking I might question what I witnessed?” the MLA asked.
Taking a sharp dig at the state administration, Paul remarked, “Mamata’s police have become multi-talented. The people of Bengal know it well by now. Women and job-seekers in the state understand how ‘efficient’ the police are.” She also criticised the state government’s civic police volunteer system, calling it a “project” of the Chief Minister.
The MLA alleged that during her public outreach visit in Asansol South that morning, she witnessed money being collected illegally at the barricade set up near the Ghaghar Buri Temple. She claimed that traffic personnel Ajay Roy and Vinay Kumar Singh were also involved. “Aren’t you ashamed? Instead of ensuring women’s safety and maintaining law and order, is turning barricades into toll points a newly crafted industry? Is this also inspired by the Honourable Chief Minister?” she questioned.
The video triggered a political stir soon after it surfaced online. Paul said she intends to file a formal complaint regarding the incident.
Meanwhile, no official response has been issued by the Asansol–Durgapur Police Commissionerate regarding the allegations.
Image courtesy@internet
