SIT to probe Lakshmir Bhandar scam

Kolkata: West Bengal CM Suvendu Adhikari has directed the state DGP to constitute a Special Investigation Team to probe the alleged Lakshmir Bhandar scam.

Announcing the decision, the CM said that 22 fake beneficiary cases have been detected in Berhampore. Of the 22 accounts identified, one was allegedly linked to Rakibul, while 15 accounts were found in the name of one Mustafizur Sheikh and his wife.

“We have instructed the DGP to form a SIT. No one will be spared. Strict action will be taken against those who have entered the Lakshmir Bhandar beneficiary list using fake identities or fraudulent means,” he said.

“We have spotted that in Murshidabad men like Rakibul Sheikh, Mustafizur Rehaman are recipients of Lakshmir Bhandar and were operating multiple fake accounts, as around 22 accounts were spotted. Men are taking funds of the Lakshmir Bhandar, and for which the police were asked to probe,” Adhikari added.

The CM had mentioned last week too about the case of Rakibul Sheikh and the fake accounts maintained by him, and following it Rakibul was arrested.

He said People like Rakibul Sheikh are getting this dole, which should not have gone to them. “We will see if the govt can get back the money they drew, as it went from the exchequer. So it is a kind of money laundering,” CM said.

Adhikari alleged that thousands of male Trinamool Congress leaders and infiltrators had been fraudulently availing benefits under the Lakshmir Bhandar scheme.

“We have calculated that at least Rs 30 lakh was being withdrawn fraudulently. Through legal measures, we will completely stop this corruption from the grassroots level,” he added.

People like Rakibul Sheikh are getting this dole, which should not have gone to them. We will see if the govt can get back the money they drew, as it went from the exchequer. So it is a kind of money laundering.”