Bengal: Union minister seen ‘breaking gate’ of Matua matriarch's house; TMC reacts

Shantanu Thakur and TMC leader Mamata Bala Thakur came face to face over the control of a house where Matua matriarch Binapani Devi lived.

Updated on: Apr 8, 2024, 06:47:15 IST

By HT News Desk, New Delhi

Prefer HTon Google

Share via

Copy link

Political turmoil erupted in the Matua-majority Thakurnagar area in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on Sunday night after supporters of Union state minister and Bangaon Lok Sabha MP Shantanu Thakur and Trinamool Congress leader Mamata Bala Thakur coming face to face over the control of a house where community matriarch Binapani Devi, popularly known as 'Boroma', lived till her death five years back, reported news agency PTI.

In the purported video, Shantanu Thakur and his supporters were seen breaking the gates of the house where community matriarch Binapani Devi, popularly known as 'Boroma', lived till her death five years back. (TMC/Video grab)

While the TMC alleged that the incident took place when Shantanu Thakur along with his supporters tried by force to take control of Boroma’s house, where Mamata Bala resides at present, the Bharatiya Janata Party MP claimed that Mamata Bala Thakur has been illegally occupying the entire property.

It is to be noted that Shantanu Thakur is the grandson of Binapani Devi, while Mamata Bala Thakur is her daughter-in-law.

“BJP's hooliganism at its peak. Shocking visuals are coming from Bongaon where BJP candidate & their leader @Shantanu_bjp, along with his goons carrying sharp objects & arms, are planning a violent attack on our Rajya Sabha MP Mamata Thakur’s residence," the TMC posted on the X (formally Twitter) handle along with a video of the incident.

In the purported video, Shantanu Thakur and his supporters were seen breaking the gates of the house.

HT, however, could not verify the authenticity of the video.

What Shantanu Thakur said?

Shantanu Thakur claimed that despite him being one of the legal claimants of the property, “Mamata Bala Thakur has been illegally occupying the entire property and even turning a portion of it into a TMC party office".

“I am one of the legal heirs and have full right over half of this property. But Mamata Bala Thakur has taken full control of it illegally,” the Union minister alleged.

Mamata Bala Thakur's response

Mamata Bala Thakur, a former Lok Sabha MP and now a Rajya Sabha member, denied the allegations and lodged a police complaint against the incident.

“I have lodged a complaint at Gaighata Police Station as Shantanu Thakur and his associates tried to break in at my house. They have forcibly entered into my residence,” she said.

Shantanu Thakur had defeated his nearest Mamata Bala Thakur, who is also an influential leader of the Matua community, in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections where the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Citizens (NRC) issues were the main poll planks.

(With inputs from agencies)

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
HT News Desk
Follow the latest breaking news, major developments and agenda-setting stories from India and around the world with the newsdesk at Hindustan Times. Operating round the clock, the desk brings together experienced editors, reporters and correspondents to deliver fast, accurate and contextual reporting across subjects that influence public policy, governance, business, society and international affairs. The HT News Desk covers politics, elections, government policies, the economy, business and markets, science and technology, the environment, law and order, infrastructure, education, climate issues and geopolitics, while closely tracking developments across states, institutions and global capitals. The team also leads coverage of major breaking news events, policy announcements, court proceedings, natural disasters, public emergencies and significant international developments. Reports published by the newsdesk are based on information gathered from reporters on the ground, official statements, government agencies, court records, regulatory filings, recognised institutions and other authoritative sources. Stories undergo editorial scrutiny and verification processes to ensure accuracy, fairness and relevance, and are updated as events evolve and additional information becomes available. Whether covering a key political decision in New Delhi, an economic policy shift affecting millions, a landmark court ruling or a major global event, the HT News Desk aims to provide readers with reliable, fact-based journalism that delivers not only the latest developments but also the context and analysis needed to understand their wider implications.Read More

Get the latest India News, breaking headlines and real-time updates from across the country. Stay informed about politics, government policies, crime, weather and major national developments.