Barasat hotels under scanner after TMC allegation

Kolkata: North 24-Parganas administration has started conducting raids at various hotels in Barasat and its adjoining areas after Trina-

mool Congress district leaders accused BJP leaders of bringing in outsiders to vitiate the election process during the last phase.

Trouble broke out on late Monday evening when a few cars were found lining up in front of BJP leader Tuhin Mondal's house. Local Trinamool workers congregated in the area and staged a protest against the incident.

They alleged that the cars were being used to carry money for distributing among voters. They also alleged that BJP was bringing outsiders who have started taking refuge at various hotels in the area.

A heated altercation subsequently broke out between BJP and Trinamool activists near Barasat police station. A local BJP leader was allegedly heckled by TMC workers, while as many as five cars which remain stranded in front of Mondal's house, were allegedly ransacked by TMC activists.

Sitting TMC MP Dr Kakoli Ghosh Dastidar, who is contesting from the same seat, went to the Barasat police station on late Monday evening, after the incident occurred.

It has been learnt that BJP leaders were expected to

attend a meeting at a hotel on Barasat-Taki Road on Monday evening.

TMC alleged that they planned to distribute money at the hotel. Police raided the hotel, as a result of which BJP shifted the venue of the meeting to Mondal's house.

Ghosh Dastidar, along with her party leaders, staged a demonstration in front of Barasat police station, alleging that BJP leaders in the district were stocking money and firearms to influence voters and create trouble.