West Bengal

IIE DIGITAL DESK ; West Midnapore, June 6: Serious allegations have surfaced regarding the alleged sale of bicycles meant for students under the government’s Sabooj Sathi scheme in the open market. The incident, which has sparked widespread outrage, was reported from the Keshiary area of West Midnapore district. Local residents have been left shocked as accusations have been directed against a school peon as well as the headmaster of the institution.

Villagers came to know on Friday that several Sabooj Sathi bicycles were being stored at the residence of a local resident. The discovery raised suspicion among villagers, who subsequently began questioning the individual. During the inquiry, the person reportedly disclosed the names of two bicycle shop owners from the area.

The matter, police from Keshiary Police Station reached the spot and questioned the two shop owners. Villagers claim that during interrogation, the shop owners admitted that the bicycles had been sold to them by two individuals associated with the school. One of the accused is reportedly an influential local Trinamool Congress leader who is employed as a peon at the school.

The incident spread on Saturday, tension gripped the entire area. Angry villagers staged protests and locked the main gate of the school in protest against the alleged irregularities. Police later arrived at the scene and managed to bring the situation under control after holding discussions with the demonstrators. An investigation into the matter has already been initiated.

The incident has provided fresh ammunition to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which has strongly criticized the state government and the ruling Trinamool Congress. BJP leaders alleged that corruption has become rampant even in government welfare schemes and claimed that bicycles intended for students had been misappropriated. The party has demanded the immediate arrest of all those found responsible for the alleged wrongdoing.

Attempts were made to contact the school’s headmaster for a response regarding the allegations, but no official statement could be obtained. Police officials have stated that appropriate legal action will be taken after the completion of the investigation and verification of all facts related to the case.