TMC councillor accused of land grabbing in Alipurduar; Lawyer claims threats and extortion

A land grabbing dispute has arisen in Alipurduar involving a local lawyer and a Trinamool Congress councillor, Debakar Pal. The case centers on a 67-decimal piece of land owned by Shankar Mitra, a senior lawyer from the Alipurduar Bar Association, located in the New Alipurduar area. Mitra alleges that Pal, the councillor of Ward 16 of the Alipurduar Municipality, forcibly occupied a portion of his land along with several supporters. Mitra filed a formal complaint with the Alipurduar police and also reached out to Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, seeking intervention from higher authorities.

Mitra claims that around 10 decimals of his land were encroached upon by Pal and his associates. He alleges that the land was fenced off with bamboo posts and that Pal demanded Rs 5 lakh for the release of the occupied portion. According to Mitra, the councillor’s supporters threatened him during this incident, and he also received phone calls demanding money for the land's return. Mitra further alleges that individuals associated with Pal have been intimidating him in person and have used weapons to threaten him outside his residence.

In addition to the allegations of land grabbing and extortion, Mitra has raised concerns about his safety. He has reported to the police that individuals linked to Pal have been harassing him, including carrying revolvers and making threatening gestures in front of his home. Mitra stated that due to the ongoing threats, he is worried for his security and has expressed that he may have to leave Alipurduar if the situation escalates further.

Councillor Debakar Pal has denied all allegations made by Mitra. Pal called the accusations false and without merit, stating that he was unaware of any such land grabbing incident. He refuted the claims that money was demanded from Mitra, emphasizing that there was no proof to support these accusations. Pal admitted to being involved in the sand and stone business but denied any illegal activities. He has stated that he intends to take legal action against those spreading false claims about him.

The land in question was previously used for agricultural purposes but has recently been converted into plots for sale. Mitra claims that the dispute began when Pal and his associates occupied part of his land without prior notice or legal proceedings. The encroachment allegedly occurred suddenly, with Pal’s group setting up posts on the land. Mitra has stated that he did not give consent for the land to be occupied and that he was not informed in advance of the actions taken by the councillor and his supporters.

A police investigation is currently underway, and authorities are looking into the claims made by both parties. Mitra has continued to seek intervention from the state government to resolve the issue. Further developments in the case are expected as the investigation progresses.