The flood relief carried by Minister Firhad Hakim were looted in Malda
In a shocking turn of events, flood relief materials intended for the victims of Malda’s Manikchak block were allegedly looted on Saturday. The relief, brought by West Bengal’s Urban Development Minister and Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim, was meant for distribution among those affected by the recent floods. However, chaos ensued as some individuals reportedly looted the relief supplies during the distribution process in Bhutnichar.
Minister Firhad Hakim had visited the flood-stricken areas of Manikchak to oversee relief operations and deliver a message from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He informed the residents that the state government was committed to helping them, despite challenges such as heavy rainfall and riverbank erosion caused by the swelling Ganges. However, moments after the minister left the area, the distribution process spiraled out of control, with some individuals forcefully taking the relief supplies.
Eyewitnesses reported that despite efforts by those in charge of the distribution, the situation quickly became chaotic. As the crowd swelled, people rushed to grab the relief items. Some even climbed onto the trucks carrying the relief and escaped with the supplies. The incident has sparked tension in the area.
Firhad Hakim, during his visit, blamed the central government for its lack of cooperation in preventing the floods and erosion. He emphasized that the state government, under the guidance of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee, would continue to provide aid to the affected people. In a message delivered over the phone, the Chief Minister assured the flood victims that the state administration would do everything possible to ensure they receive the help they need.
Despite these assurances, the chaotic relief distribution left many residents empty-handed and frustrated. Some victims, soaked by the rain, had to return home without receiving any supplies. The district administration has yet to release an official statement regarding the incident.
