Asansol, West Bengal: A village in the North Asansol Assembly constituency has witnessed a wave of fear and uncertainty, with several men allegedly fleeing their homes amid apprehension of police action following a controversy linked to a blanket distribution program.
The incident has revived memories of a tragic stampede that occurred nearly three years ago during a blanket distribution event organized by former Asansol mayor Jitendra Tiwari, which had resulted in multiple deaths and triggered major political fallout in the state.
This time, tensions surfaced after a blanket distribution program organized by Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader and social worker Krishna Prasad in the Shaldanga area. Following allegations related to the event, the nearby Raipara area of Ward No. 13, under the jurisdiction of Asansol North Police Station, has reportedly become almost deserted.
Village Allegedly Emptied by Fear of Arrests
Local residents claim that fear of police raids has forced most adult men to leave Raipara, leaving behind women, children, and the elderly. According to locals, the exodus occurred overnight after police arrested one resident named in the complaint. Although the individual has since been released on bail, panic continues to grip the area.
Residents allege that the names of people from Raipara were included in police complaints despite the incident taking place in Shaldanga, leading to widespread anxiety and disruption of daily life.
What Triggered the Controversy
The controversy began a few days ago when Krishna Prasad, accompanied by his supporters, organized a blanket distribution drive in Shaldanga. Several members of the tribal community from nearby Raipara and Chhotadanga arrived to collect blankets.
During the event, a group of young men reportedly entered the venue and began raising slogans demanding that Krishna Prasad leave. As tensions escalated, the BJP leader left the area. His supporters later distributed the remaining blankets among those present.
Molestation Allegations and Political Protests
Subsequently, a woman from a nearby village filed a complaint at Asansol North Police Station, alleging molestation during the blanket distribution program and naming Krishna Prasad and some of his supporters.
Following the complaint, Trinamool Congress (TMC) councilor Shyam Soren staged a protest outside the police station, demanding the immediate arrest of those accused.
Residents Cry Foul
Several women from Raipara, including Shubhra Das, expressed anger and distress, claiming that innocent villagers were being targeted. “The blankets were distributed in Shaldanga, yet people from Raipara have been named simply because they opposed what happened,” she said. “There isn’t a single man left in our area now. If this continues, families will starve and children will drop out of school.”
Other residents, Shivani Besra and Pavitra Murmu, denied that any untoward incident occurred during the distribution. They alleged that the complaint was false and politically motivated, aimed at implicating Krishna Prasad and local youths. “There was no disturbance that day. But after this case, the men of our village are living in fear and hiding,” they said.
BJP Leader Responds
Krishna Prasad dismissed the allegations and assured villagers of his support. “Truth will prevail. No matter how many false cases are filed against me or our boys, we will fight and win,” he said. He added that the arrested individual had already secured bail and that villagers were slowly returning home after being reassured.
TMC and Police Statements
TMC councilor Shyam Soren maintained that law-abiding citizens had no reason to flee. “Those who have not committed any crime should not be afraid. However, the police must take appropriate action against those named in the complaint,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dhruba Das, Deputy Commissioner (Central), Asansol–Durgapur Police Commissionerate, stated that the situation was under control. “There was some disturbance, but it has been managed. The allegations are being investigated. We have no information about people abandoning their village,” he said.
As investigations continue, the incident has once again highlighted how welfare activities, political rivalry, and law enforcement actions can intersect—sometimes leaving ordinary citizens caught in the middle.