Over 100 "Green Sathi" bicycles seized from scrap shop in Dalkhola, questions over smuggling

Authorities in Dalkhola, North Bengal, conducted a significant operation on Sunday night, seizing over 100 brand-new bicycles under the "Green Sathi" government scheme from a scrap shop located on National Highway 12. The bicycles, intended for distribution to schoolchildren in rural areas as part of a government welfare program, were found in unused condition at the shop. The raid was carried out under the supervision of the Karandighi Block Development Officer (BDO) and Dalkhola police.

The shop, owned by Majharul Haque, a resident of Murshidabad, had been operating for several years near Purniya More on National Highway 12. In addition to the roadside shop, Haque maintained a warehouse located behind the store. Upon the arrival of the authorities, Haque was absent, and police believe he fled before the raid. Investigators have confirmed that the shop’s stockpile of bicycles was not registered under any legitimate distribution scheme, raising questions about how they were acquired and stored at the premises.

The "Green Sathi" initiative, which provides bicycles to students to ease their commute to school, was designed to benefit underprivileged schoolchildren. The bicycles found at the scrap shop were in brand-new condition, suggesting that they were diverted before reaching their intended recipients. Investigators are working to determine how the bicycles, meant for public distribution, ended up in a private shop, and whether any officials were involved in facilitating the diversion.

The local administration has not yet issued any public statements regarding the investigation. Police have stated that efforts are underway to track down Haque and any other individuals who may be involved in the illegal handling and sale of government-provided resources. The investigation is ongoing, with authorities examining the possibility of larger networks being involved in diverting government aid.