TMC leader-promoter Raju Naskar under fire as KMC bulldozers hit project, angry buyers erupt

Kolkata: Tension erupted in Kolkata’s Beleghata area on Monday after the Kolkata Municipal Corporation (KMC) carried out demolition work at an under-construction housing project linked to Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and promoter Raju Naskar.

The civic action triggered protests from flat buyers, who alleged they had been cheated and left without proper documentation despite making payments.

The situation turned chaotic outside Raju Naskar’s office on East Kulia Road when several angry residents confronted a man they identified as one of his close associates.

Eyewitnesses said the man was surrounded by protesters and allegedly slapped during a heated altercation. Police and central security personnel later reached the area to bring the situation under control.

KMC has reportedly issued notices for two housing projects promoted by Naskar, located at 37 Barowaritola Road and 1-E East Kulia Road in Beleghata. The two towers together contain 16 flats.

Officials have already demolished the under-construction structure at the East Kulia Road site.

Residents who had booked flats in the projects said the civic notices have left them anxious and uncertain about their future.

Several buyers visited Naskar’s office on Monday expecting clarification and access to project documents, but found the office locked.

One of the complainants, Poppy Dey, alleged that the man confronted by residents was a close aide of Naskar and had earlier intimidated buyers.

She claimed that despite taking money from customers, neither agreement papers nor building plans had been provided.

Protesters alleged that they had invested large amounts in the housing projects but never received proper legal documentation.

Some accused the promoter of misleading them and claimed they now fear losing both their investments and their homes.

Sources also said the landowners involved in the projects are elderly women facing health and personal difficulties, leaving them uncertain about the next course of action amid the controversy.

Residents said the projects had previously come under scrutiny. According to reports, KMC had earlier raised concerns and asked for work to be halted last year.

However, buyers allegedly continued to place their trust in assurances that the issues would be resolved.

Later in the day, aggrieved residents approached the Beleghata Police Station and lodged complaints against Naskar.