Hanging body of TMC panchayat chief found at home in North 24 Pgs amid corruption allegations

The body of Jahidul Haque Baidya, chief of Jadurhati North Gram Panchayat in Baduria of North 24 Parganas district, was found hanging inside his residence on Tuesday morning. The incident triggered tension in the area, prompting police to launch an investigation into the circumstances surrounding his death. Authorities said they are examining all possible angles and have not reached any conclusion regarding the cause of death.

According to local sources, Jahidul had been facing allegations of corruption in recent days. Residents accused him of illegally selling an advanced battery-operated garbage collection vehicle provided under the Swachh Bharat Mission and misappropriating the proceeds. On May 31, local residents staged a protest outside his residence and submitted a complaint seeking police action and an investigation into the allegations.

Police from Baduria Police Station had visited his residence following the complaint as part of the inquiry. However, officers were reportedly unable to locate him at that time. The recovery of his body days later has intensified attention on the allegations and the events leading up to the incident.

Local residents have also claimed that Jahidul was facing financial difficulties and was burdened with substantial debts. According to these allegations, he had borrowed money from local contractors and was struggling to repay the loans. Police have sent the body for post-mortem examination and are investigating whether the allegations, financial issues, police scrutiny or any other factors were connected to the death.