Barrackpore MLA Kaustav Bagchi
I’m also fearing an attempt on my life as Bagchi has links with those accused in the murder of BJP councillor Manish Shukla,” he said. Dismissing the allegations as baseless and part of a conspiracy, Bagchi said the hospital had denied any extortion. “The hospital authorities had willingly donated Rs 40,000 to my foundation through a completely legal transaction,” he told TOI . Regarding the restaurant, Bagchi said, “I spoke to its owner just two days ago, taken photographs with him and had a friendly conversation. The owner even told me that he was unaware of any such extortion allegations. The party knows everything and will take appropriate action at the right time,” Bagchi said.
Kolkata: Fresh infighting has erupted in the BJP ’s Barrackpore unit, with local netas accusing party MLA Kaustav Bagchi of extortion involving a popular biryani restaurant and a private hospital. The confrontation follows Bagchi’s criticism of state transport minister Arjun Singh and several BJP leaders for attending a Durga Puja event organised by Das. Displaying photographs of BJP leaders sharing the stage with Das, Bagchi threatened self-immolation outside the party’s state headquarters if the former civic chief joined BJP. Yadav alleged Bagchi had been damaging Barrackpore’s political environment since joining BJP. “The MLA was accused of extorting hefty amount from several business establishments, including a local hospital and a reputed restaurant in Barrackpore. Yadav claimed written complaints had been submitted to Barrackpore police commissioner and BJP’s state leadership. “I know who is pulling the strings behind all this. I am not giving any importance to these allegations. I have no inclination to respond to these leaders, as they are not at my level.