West Bengal: Dozens of Aadhaar cards recovered from TMC office in Bidhan Nagar, locals say party workers snatched the cards from postmen

Just two weeks after Trinamool Congress lost the assembly elections in West Bengal, dozens of Aadhaar cards belonging to ordinary residents were recovered from a party office in Bidhan Nagar Municipality on Sunday. The recovery was made at the TMC office at Basanti Devi Colony under Ward No. 36 of Bidhan Nagar.

According to reports, the cards were found neatly arranged in a box in the party office, which had reportedly been closed since May 4. The discovery was made after the office was opened on Sunday morning. Local residents, who gathered at the spot after the discovery, alleged that the Aadhaar cards had been forcibly confiscated or withheld by TMC workers and not delivered to them despite being ready for door-to-door distribution by postal authorities for the past two years. Some locals claimed the cards were being held to prevent people from voting or to facilitate voting by illegal voters during elections.

One resident was quoted saying that cards were often forcefully taken from postmen of the postal department and kept in the party office, adding that complaints to the police didn’t result in any action earlier. Another local alleged that people were threatened or stopped from casting their votes. In addition to the Aadhaar cards, documents related to the alleged illegal sale or grabbing of government land were also reportedly recovered from the premises.

Due to the snatching of the Aadhaar cards, many people were forced to get copies of their cards printed. In total, over 60 Aadhaar cards were recovered from the TMC office, all of them were found to be in brand new condition, not used.

Bidhannagar South Police Station was informed of the matter. Police officials reached the spot, seized the Aadhaar cards and other documents, and initiated an investigation. A written complaint was also filed by affected residents and local BJP workers.

BJP leader Niranjan Singh has alleged that there is a link between the incident and some major corruption during the Trinamool era. He said, “It is not normal for important documents to be recovered in front of a former councilor’s house in this manner. There may be some conspiracy behind it.” He demanded a fair and thorough probe by the police administration.

Written by OpIndia Staff
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