10 arrested in TMC faction clash over extortion allegations against MLA Subrata Mondal

In an escalation of internal strife within the Trinamool Congress (TMC), ten individuals were arrested in Gosaba, West Bengal, following a violent clash between factions of the party. The incident unfolded during an administrative meeting focused on Cyclone Dana at the Gosaba Block Development Office, where TMC MLA Subrata Mondal was present. During this meeting, several party workers from the Bali Gram Panchayat levelled serious allegations against Mondal, accusing him of extorting money from them for party activities and personal gain, which incited anger among the local leadership.

As tensions escalated, disgruntled party members organized a protest outside the BDO office, demanding accountability from Mondal. They accused him of financial misconduct, citing instances where they felt pressured to contribute funds without proper justification. This protest quickly turned confrontational as it attracted a larger crowd, with many demanding the removal of Mondal from his position. Eyewitnesses reported that supporters of the MLA, who were identified as loyalists, began to retaliate against the dissenting party members. Reports indicated that those opposing the MLA were physically assaulted in the streets, with several injured and requiring medical attention.

Additionally, multiple vehicles belonging to the MLA's supporters were vandalized during the skirmishes, leading to further unrest. Local police responded rapidly to the outbreak of violence, conducting a search operation in the area to restore order. Initially, twelve individuals were detained for questioning as part of the investigation into the altercations. Following this, police charged ten members closely associated with Mondal, including a Gram Panchayat member, with various offenses related to the violence and extortion allegations. These individuals were formally arrested and presented before the Alipore Court on Thursday.

Authorities indicated that the arrested individuals face serious charges that could result in significant legal consequences, as the investigation seeks to uncover the extent of the alleged corruption and the details surrounding the violent incident. This unrest reflects broader issues of internal discord within the TMC, raising significant concerns about party unity, discipline, and leadership accountability. Political analysts point out that such factional disputes can undermine the party’s image, especially with elections approaching.