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Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, November 28, 2024, Hooghly: Tensions flared at the Dankuni Toll Plaza in Hooghly district as workers of the Trinamool Workers’ Union staged protests against two of their leaders, Nishar Ali Mallick and Nitai Dey, accusing them of embezzling crores of rupees and mistreating workers.
The situation drew the attention of the local police, who intervened to restore order.
Allegations of Corruption and Exploitation
The protestors leveled serious allegations against the two leaders:
Nishar Ali Mallick is accused of siphoning off union funds by leasing a car under his son’s name to the Dankuni Toll Plaza for ₹63,000 per month.
The car is reportedly used by a local MLA, which has further fueled the anger of workers who view this as a misuse of organizational resources for personal gain.
Nitai Dey, on the other hand, faces allegations of threatening workers with dismissal and exploiting union funds for personal enrichment. Protestors claimed that Dey has been “torturing” them by leveraging his position to suppress dissent.
Protests Demand Action
The agitated workers gathered at the toll plaza, demanding the immediate removal of both leaders and a thorough investigation into their activities. Chants against corruption and exploitation echoed in the area, disrupting operations briefly until police intervention.
The protestors accused the two leaders of betraying the principles of the workers’ union and using their positions for “dirty looting” instead of addressing the needs and welfare of the workers.
“We will not tolerate this corruption. The funds belong to the workers, not their families,” said one of the protestors.
Police Step In to Restore Order
As the protests grew intense, local law enforcement arrived at the scene to manage the crowd and prevent any escalation of violence.
The police successfully brought the situation under control but have not commented on whether an official complaint was lodged against the accused leaders.
Reactions from Stakeholders
While workers remain adamant about their demands for a leadership overhaul, the accused leaders have not yet issued any public statements regarding the allegations.
The incident has also put the Trinamool Congress (TMC) under scrutiny, with political opponents using the episode to target the ruling party for failing to curb corruption within its ranks.
Local MLA associations and higher authorities within the TMC are reportedly monitoring the situation closely. Party insiders hinted that an internal inquiry may be initiated to address the concerns raised by workers, though no official confirmation has been provided.
Call for Accountability
The episode at Dankuni Toll Plaza is the latest in a string of controversies surrounding workers’ unions in the region. The protestors have warned of continued agitation if swift action is not taken against the accused leaders.
The situation highlights broader issues of accountability and transparency within labor unions affiliated with political parties. With workers openly challenging their leadership, the incident could lead to wider implications for the union’s credibility and operations in Hooghly.
Conclusion
The protest at Dankuni Toll Plaza has brought to light allegations of corruption and worker exploitation that have simmered for months. As the workers demand justice, all eyes are now on the Trinamool Congress to address the grievances swiftly and transparently. Whether this incident triggers meaningful reform or adds to the political turmoil in the state remains to be seen.
