Syndicate in Rajarhat-New town: TMC councillor under scanner after ‘Mamata OSD intervenes’

He had claimed that he had initially lodged a complaint with the Airport police station in Dum Dum, but no action was taken. He had then informed Subhrangshu Chakraborty, officer-on-special-duty (OSD) to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

“Following this, the OSD asked the police station to look into the matter. He has also informed Biddhannagar Mayor Sabhyasachi Dutta about the case,” said a source in the police.

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Officers at Biddhannagar Commissionerate said of the 77 people linked with criminal ties to the syndicate — an euphemism for an extortion racket — only eight are in custody. Notably, Bhojai Sardar — linked to various murders in Rajarhat — is now a key Trinamool member. His son, Prasenjit Sardar, is a Trinamool councillor.

Besides Bhojai, Dumpy is the most important member of the Rajarhat syndicate, said police sources.

Before the state elections in April-May, Dumpy — repeatedly been linked to the syndicate racket — had to submit an undertaking before an executive magistrate under Section 107 of the CrPC. The section allows a court or a magistrate to order a bond to be signed by a person convicted of certain crimes to keep peace for a certain period. The undertaking stated that Dumpy would not indulge in any illegal activities before the polls. It added that he was liable to get arrested if he was found to be involved in any electoral malpractice on poll days and if he resorts to any mischief after the elections are over.

Sources in Trinamool said Mamata had made it clear that those involved in the syndicate business would be prosecuted, particularly in Rajarhat.

“She has made it clear to all in the party. Four leaders — Sujit Bose, Purnendu Basu, Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar and Sabhyasachi Dutta — have constantly in news for allegedly being involved in the racket. She will take action against them unless they mend their ways,” said a senior Trinamool leader.