Allegations of Money Demands in Government Tarpaulin Distribution in Malda, Political Circles Speak Out Against the Husband of an Independent Panchayat Member
**Malda:** Allegations have emerged against the husband of an independent panchayat member regarding the collection of money during the distribution of government tarpaulins allocated for people affected by river erosion. The incident has caused a stir in the Hiranandpur area of Manikchak. A video of the incident has already gone viral on social media, although this news agency has not independently verified the authenticity of the video.
The viral video shows several local residents collecting tarpaulins from the panchayat member's husband, Nimai Mahato. Allegations state that they are being asked to pay between 50 to 100 rupees before receiving the tarpaulins. The video also shows the names of the individuals receiving the tarpaulins being recorded in a notebook. However, whether any money was actually taken during the distribution of government relief materials will only be clear after an investigation.
As the incident came to light, political tensions began to rise in Manikchak. BJP MLA Gourchandra Mandal has demanded an investigation into the allegations. He stated that corruption and looting have occurred at various levels—from panchayat members to heads—during the Trinamool regime. He also claimed that no irregularities regarding government relief materials would be tolerated.
Gourchandra Mandal asserted, **“This is a government of the people. Those involved in corruption will go to jail.”** He mentioned that he has seen the video circulating on social media and has spoken to the administration about the matter.
On the other hand, Trinamool Congress leader Bishwajit Ghosh has also demanded a thorough investigation into the incident. He alleged that instead of distributing government tarpaulins for free among the people, they are being given in exchange for money. He has called for strict action against the accused according to the law after an investigation.
However, **whether money was indeed taken during the tarpaulin distribution, what those seen in the viral video have to say, and whether the relief materials were distributed according to government regulations will only be clear after an administrative investigation.** The response from the accused panchayat member's husband, Nimai Mahato, has not yet been obtained regarding the allegations.
The incident has created intense political tension in the Bhutni area of Manikchak. The local residents are now watching what steps the administration will take regarding these allegations.
