Kolkata: West Bengal police on Tuesday conducted a search at Suruchi Sangha club in south Kolkata, which has been at the centre of controversy following the arrest of Swarup Biswas, brother of former state minister Aroop Biswas, in a molestation case.
The investigators took the arrested Swarup to the club on Tuesday afternoon. Earlier, central forces had cordoned off the Suruchi Sangha premises and adjoining areas in New Alipore.
Former minister Aroop Biswas is currently absconding, while his brother Swarup was arrested a few days ago. Several allegations have also surfaced against him in the Bengali film industry.
The Suruchi Sangha of South Kolkata is well known for organising Durga Puja and events attended by celebrities. It is alleged that this club is also involved in several illegal activities by the Biswas Brothers.
Following the change of government in the state, the police initiated action against the two. Swarup Biswas was arrested, and then the local residents vandalised Aroop and Swarup’s club, Suruchi Sangha.
Last Friday, protesters gathered outside the premises, broke the lock, and entered the building. They reached an upper room where a king-size bed and a luxurious attached toilet were found.
Locals also alleged embezzlement of government goods through the club. In a room adjacent to the clubhouse, a large number of bottles of government-supplied ‘Pranadhara’ water and several saris were recovered, further fuelling allegations of large-scale irregularities.
It has also been alleged that a separate building of the club was constructed by encroaching on LIC land, triggering public outrage in the area.
On Monday, police had also recovered multiple electronic devices and documents from Aroop Biswas’s New Alipore flat. After opening a digital lock, investigators seized 14 mobile phones, two iPads, and several documents related to an association linked to the Bengali film industry. Police said the devices may contain crucial evidence.
(IANS)
