WB fishermen allege tax imposition in Ganges

In a shocking case of alleged extortion, fishermen in West Bengal's Manikchak district are being forced to pay a tax of 20% of the market value of the fish caught in the Ganges River. A display board has been set up, stating that tax must be paid, or the fishermen's eyes will be painted and fishing nets will be cut. The Mothabari Dhibar Sambay Samity Limited has been accused of extorting fishermen, despite orders from the Calcutta High Court and the West Bengal Government exempting them from paying taxes since 2015.

Fishermen have come forward with allegations of extortion by the mastans of the tolbaaz who demand money from them on the riverbank. Those who refuse to pay are reportedly stripped of their catch and nets, with demands for a sum of up to Rs.1400 made. Many fishermen have made written complaints to the police station and District Magistrate. One of the leaders of the accused organization has claimed that they have valid water tax collection papers, and the administration has given them permission to collect water tax from fishermen at a rate of 5%.

BJP leader Gaur Chandra Mondal has criticized the ruling party, claiming that despite orders from the government, the mastans are continuing to extort fishermen. The MLA of Manikchak Legislative Assembly and former minister, Savitri Mitra, assured the administration would investigate the issue and take appropriate measures.

The District Magistrate has formed an inquiry committee with officials from the Land and Land Reforms Department and the Fisheries Department to investigate the allegations. If the accusations of extortion are found to be true, legal action will be taken against those responsible.