New Delhi: A fresh political row has broken out in West Bengal’s Murshidabad district after allegations surfaced that disability allowance was claimed
in the name of several healthy people. The case has triggered public anger in Shamsherganj, where locals have raised questions over how such names entered a government beneficiary list.
The allegation is linked to Asiqul Islam, a member of the Trinamool-run Shamsherganj Panchayat Samiti. According to TV9 Bangla, at least 15 members of his family were shown as disabled in official records and government allowance was withdrawn in their names for years. Islam has denied the charges.
What is the allegation?
The complaint claims that disability benefits were issued to people who are physically and mentally healthy. The list allegedly includes Asiqul Islam’s wife Reshma Laila, his three sons Mohammad Adil Islam, Mohammad Saif Islam and Sajid Islam, and several other relatives.
Names of brothers, uncles, nephews and nieces have also been mentioned in the allegations. Local residents have claimed that those listed as beneficiaries do not suffer from any disability.
The matter has now gone viral on social media, adding heat to an already sensitive issue. In many villages, people seeking such benefits often wait for months, sometimes years, with papers, certificates and repeated visits to offices. That is why this case has caused sharper anger on the ground.
Local anger, political pressure grow
The key question being asked in Shamsherganj is simple. How did so many members from one politically connected family allegedly get disability benefits?
Opposition leaders have claimed that this is not an isolated case and have accused ruling party-linked people of misusing government welfare schemes. They have demanded a full probe, action against those found guilty and publication of the names of fake beneficiaries.
The role of local officials is also under the scanner. Residents want to know who verified the documents and who cleared the payments.
