Daijiworld Media Network – Kolkata

Kolkata, Sep 14: A businessman was allegedly beaten along with his family by miscreants linked to the Trinamool Congress (TMC) for refusing to pay an increased donation for Durga Puja, police said. The incident took place on Gobra Gorosthan Road on Friday.

The victim, Amit Sarkar, filed a complaint at Tapsia police station, stating that a local club, reportedly dominated by TMC members, first demanded Rs 4,000 for his two shops and then suddenly raised it to Rs 10,000. Sarkar said he, along with his father, wife, and brother, was assaulted with bamboo sticks and iron rods when they resisted.

Sarkar, who has been associated with TMC and served as a club and Durga Puja committee secretary until 2024, said he continues to be a TMC worker.

A senior police officer confirmed that an investigation has been launched following Sarkar’s complaint. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee was reportedly informed and has directed police to take strict action.

Condemning the attack, BJP leader Sajal Ghosh labelled TMC as a party of criminals, while TMC leader Debangshu Bhattacharya expressed regret and called for stern police action, citing existing allowances provided to puja committees to prevent such incidents.