TMC leader’s head shaved, paraded with shoe garland amid corruption allegations in Howrah

A local Trinamool Congress leader was allegedly publicly humiliated by residents in the Shyampur area of Howrah on Sunday over allegations of corruption. The leader, identified as Sannyasi Manna of the Amardaha Gram Panchayat area, was later detained by police for questioning. The incident drew attention after videos of the alleged public humiliation circulated widely.

According to allegations made by local residents, job cards, Aadhaar cards and bank passbooks were recovered from Manna’s residence, triggering anger among villagers. Residents accused him of involvement in irregularities related to government welfare schemes and alleged that he had collected money from beneficiaries in exchange for assistance.

Reports stated that residents gathered outside his house on Sunday morning and staged a protest. Videos circulating from the area reportedly showed Manna with half of his head shaved, a garland made of shoes around his neck, and a rope tied around his waist while he was paraded through village roads by a crowd.

Villagers alleged that he collected illegal commissions from beneficiaries under the 100-day rural employment scheme and demanded money from housing scheme beneficiaries in return for facilitating government benefits. These allegations have not been proven in court and remain subject to investigation.

In his response, Manna reportedly acknowledged taking money from some individuals but claimed the funds were intended for local development work. He also reportedly stated that he would return the money. Police subsequently detained him and began questioning him regarding the allegations raised by residents.