TMC Leader Accused of Amassing Wealth Through Land Grabbing and Extortion in Bengal's Sundarbans Region

Suvid Ali Dhali alias Jharo Dhali, TMC block working president and former president of Pathankali zone in Gosaba in Bengal's Sundarbans region, has been accused by villagers and the BJP that the leader, who once made a living by selling goats and chickens in the village, has now become the owner of property worth crores of rupees. He has been accused of grabbing the land of the poor, extorting money, forcibly marrying women, and misusing political influence. Locals claim that Jharo Dhali has built two luxurious palatial houses on about 20 bighas of land in Gosaba. Around 800 meters long and 15 feet high walls have been built around them. There are also large reservoirs, luxurious farmhouses, and gardens in the complex. Apart from another farmhouse spread over an area of about 35 bighas and a huge bhedi (fish) for fish farming in about 65 bighas. According to villagers, in addition to Kolkata, Gosaba, Hasirhatna, Basirabad, and Basirhat, the villagers also accuse Jharo Dhali of lending small amounts of money to tribal families.