Viral photos spark outrage after Bankura panchayat chief found 'intoxicated' on office floor

A controversy has erupted in Bankura district after photographs circulated on social media allegedly showed Rameshwar Hembram, chief of the Trinamool Congress-run Jhunjka Gram Panchayat, lying on the floor of his office chamber during working hours. The incident took place at the gram panchayat office in Chatna block, where residents who had arrived for official services allegedly found the panchayat chief in an intoxicated condition. Police later reached the spot and escorted him home.

According to local residents, the incident occurred while other employees were carrying out routine administrative work at the office. People visiting the gram panchayat for various services allegedly discovered that the chief was not at his desk and instead found him lying on the floor of his chamber. Residents claimed he appeared to be heavily intoxicated and was nearly unconscious. Photographs of the scene were taken and later shared on social media, where they spread rapidly.

Residents alleged that complaints regarding the conduct of the panchayat chief are not new. They claimed that he had previously attended the office under the influence of alcohol on multiple occasions, affecting the delivery of public services. According to locals, after some time he regained consciousness but was unable to stand properly and struggled to move around the office. Witnesses further alleged that he was not in a condition to speak coherently.

As news of the incident spread, local residents gathered at the gram panchayat office and staged protests. Police from Chatna Police Station subsequently arrived at the scene and assisted the panchayat chief into a vehicle before taking him to his residence. The incident has triggered criticism on social media, while residents and local BJP workers have demanded action over the allegations and raised questions regarding accountability in local administration.