Siliguri, 20th August: Former Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor and former Member of Mayor-in-Council (MMIC) of Siliguri Municipal Corporation’s Ward No. 03, Ram Bhajan Mahato, was questioned for several hours at Pradhan Nagar Police Station on Thursday in connection with an alleged irregularity in the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY).
Mahato appeared before the police for questioning in accordance with a Calcutta High Court order. The court has temporarily stayed his arrest while directing him to cooperate with the police investigation.
During the questioning, police sought to determine on what basis financially well-off people were allegedly provided benefits under the housing scheme.
The case began after a person identified as Vikrant Bimal lodged a written complaint at Pradhan Nagar Police Station alleging irregularities in the implementation of PMAY and naming Mahato. During the investigation, police allegedly found that financially well-off people, including hotel owner Biswajit Saha and four-storey building owner Rakesh Shah, had also received benefits under the scheme.
Pradhan Nagar Police arrested Biswajit and Rakesh on August 14. They were subsequently questioned in police remand following a court order, and police reportedly obtained several key details during the interrogation.
According to police, Mahato’s alleged role in the case has remained under investigation from the beginning. He subsequently approached the High Court seeking protection from arrest. The government counsel opposed his plea.
After hearing both sides, the High Court temporarily stayed Mahato’s arrest and directed him to cooperate with the investigation and questioning. The court also directed him to appear at the police station for questioning and instructed police to submit the interrogation report before the court at the next hearing.
Meanwhile, during Thursday’s questioning, police reportedly came across another alleged case of irregularity involving PMAY benefits in Ward No. 03. It is alleged that a retired government official also received benefits under the scheme.
Pradhan Nagar Police are expected to submit the report of Thursday’s questioning before the High Court. Further developments in the investigation are expected during the next hearing.
Attempts were made to contact Ram Bhajan Mahato for his response, but he could not be reached.