Suvendu Adhikari alleges extortion in the name of naka checking; targets Bengal Govt | Watch

Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, on Monday alleged that vehicle checks conducted in the name of naka checking across the state have turned into “institutional corruption.” He claimed that drivers are being illegally extorted and, if they refuse to pay, are either falsely implicated in cases or subjected to assault and harassment.

Sharing a video on social media platform X, Adhikari alleged that a section of civic volunteers or home guards, in collusion with the police, are involved in such activities. He claimed that these individuals do not hesitate to beat truck drivers and helpers despite having no legal authority to do so.

In the post, Adhikari referred to a video reportedly recorded on February 19, 2026, near the Dankuni toll plaza. The footage allegedly shows a civic volunteer or home guard beating a truck driver with a stick. Adhikari stated that while legal action can be taken if a driver violates the law, no provision permits physical assault in such circumstances.

He demanded that the administration immediately identify the individual seen in the video and initiate strict legal and departmental action. However, he alleged that such incidents continue due to the “tacit support” of the government and administration.

Adhikari further asserted that the situation in the state requires change and linked the issue to a broader call for political change. The state government has not issued an official response to the allegations so far.