Kartik Ghora, the chief of Dhannoghori gram panchayat in Hooghly’s Khanakul, has lodged a police complaint accusing colleagues and a local BJP leader of looting relief materials meant for flood victims. According to Ghora, the accused looted 875 tarpaulins, sacks of flattened rice, molasses, milk powder sachets, biscuits, and puffed rice from the gram panchayat’s godown by threatening a staff member.
Ghora expressed his dismay, stating, “It is unfortunate that they looted materials meant for the poor while I was arranging for more supplies.”Nirmal Manna, the BJP convener for Khanakul, denied the allegations, insisting the materials were obtained through proper channels. The police have registered a case, but sources claim the incident highlights the region’s ineffective flood management.
Despite the accusations, locals are increasingly frustrated. In Jogikundu, villagers protested on Sunday, stating that no officials had reached out since the area was submerged a week ago. “Those who lost homes are spending sleepless nights on the road,” an official revealed.
At least six houses collapsed in nearby Talit village last week, narrowly avoiding tragedy as police rescued 25 trapped residents. District officials have acknowledged distribution lapses, with many victims not receiving supplies. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sent the chief secretary to investigate, as more protests erupted over the lack of aid. Meanwhile, NGOs have been called to assist with relief efforts.