An ambulance driver operating near a private hospital at Gandhi More in Durgapur, West Bengal, has leveled serious allegations of extortion and physical violence against former councillor Hiralal Bauri. The driver, identified as Manik Dhibar, stated that during the TMC regime, he was compelled to pay a sum of 10000 rupees every month to former TMC councillor Hiralal Bauri to continue his livelihood without interference. According to Dhibar, out of fear for his safety, he consistently transferred this monthly amount through online digital channels directly to the former councillor. However, after the shift in state governance, he stopped transferring the money, which subsequently led to harassment and hostility from the accused.
Roadside Assault and Threats Involving Local Lawmaker
Dhibar alleged that the former councillor recently confronted him in an intoxicated state on the street, physically knocked him down, and assaulted him. The victim further claimed that during the attack, he was threatened that even Laxman Chandra Ghorui, the BJP MLA representing Durgapur West, would not be able to offer him any protection if he reported the matter. Fearing for the personal safety of himself and his family members, the injured ambulance driver submitted a formal complaint to the administration and dispatched a written report via email to the police department, demanding protection and swift legal intervention.
Refusal of Charges and Call for Independent Inquiry
Responding to the allegations, former TMC councillor Hiralal Bauri rejected all claims, describing them as completely baseless and manufactured as part of a political conspiracy. Meanwhile, addressing the incident, Durgapur West BJP MLA Laxman Chandra Ghorui insisted on an impartial police investigation into the complaint. The lawmaker stated that if the allegations brought by the ambulance driver are corroborated during the probe, law enforcement authorities must immediately arrest the accused and initiate proper legal proceedings without any bias or delay.
Zero Tolerance Policy Highlighted by Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari
Amid these developments, Chief Minister of West Bengal Suvendu Adhikari released an official message on X reiterating the government's stance on administrative integrity. The Chief Minister stated that the administration enforces a strict zero tolerance policy regarding corruption and illegal financial demands, emphasizing that no individual operates above the law. Suvendu Adhikari warned that illegal extortion would not be condoned under any circumstances and instructed all administrative wings to take stringent punitive measures against any personnel or officials discovered engaging in unlawful collection practices, reaffirming a commitment to clean governance.
