Another TMC leader arrested from Haldia for making money from state govt scheme

Kolkata: A day after a Trinamool Congress leader was arrested from Malda's Ratua for siphoning-off government funds, East Midnapore police on Thursday arrested another TMC leader from Haldia on various charges of corruption.

Milan Mondal who was arrested by East Midnapore police is a top leader of INTTUC in the district. A joint raid was conducted jointly by the Mahishadal police station and Haldia Durgachawk police station.

Once a strong leader of the ruling party in the district, Mondal had various cases pending against him at several police stations in the district. The accused, however, claimed that he was arrested after a rumour had spread regarding his possibility of joining the saffron brigade. A BJP leader in the district said the accused had been trying to join the BJP.

A Trinamool Congress leader, on the other hand, said TMC supremo Mamata Banerjee has given clear instruction to the police to take stern action against those who are involved in corruption and take money that is generated under a scheme. Following Banerjee's orders, the police have initiated cases against those who have siphoned off public funds.

It may be mentioned here that Sukesh Yadav, a Trinamool Congress leader from Malda, was arrested on Wednesday after he had allegedly received nearly Rs 1 crore as cut money. Yadav had been the head of Mahanandatola Gram Panchayat of Ratua. He had been accused of taking money from the Nirmal Bangla Mission.

Banerjee, during her recent meeting with the councillors, had given a clear warning that none of her party leaders would be allowed to make money from government funds disbursed for various projects. She also made it clear that no party leaders would be allowed to take cut money with an assurance of providing the government schemes. She also promised to crack the whip on those involved in such incidents.

Meanwhile, the people from Sainthia staged a demonstration in front of a Trinamool Congress leader who they accused of taking money from the funds generated for the beneficiaries for construction of houses. The situation was soon brought under control by the police.