Allegations of multi-crore illegal sand trade using fake challans in Salanpur, smuggling game under the cover of night
Claims of illegal sand extraction from Namokeshia, Upper Keshia, and Jitpur; Allegations of supplying sand to factories in Paschim Bardhaman by manipulating challans from Bihar and Purulia; AIMIM District President Danish Aziz raises questions over alleged protection by BJP leaders; BJP MLA Krishnendu Mukherjee calls allegations baseless.
Asansol: Political accusations and counter-accusations have intensified over alleged illegal sand smuggling in Salanpur block under the Barabani assembly constituency in Asansol, West Bengal. It is alleged that under the cover of night, sand is being extracted from Namokeshia, Upper Keshia, and Jitpur areas and transported to various factories in Paschim Bardhaman district allegedly using fake challans. It is claimed that challans from Bihar and Purulia are being used for this purpose. However, independent confirmation of the alleged manipulation of challans and illegal transportation of sand is yet to be made.
AIMIM Paschim Bardhaman District President Danish Aziz has made serious allegations regarding this matter. He claimed that a youth named Deep is allegedly involved in this business and enjoys the support of some BJP leaders. On the other hand, BJP MLA and state-level party leader Krishnendu Mukherjee completely rejected the allegations against the BJP, calling it an attempt to defame the party.
Alleged illegal trade continues even after auction of seized sand
Notably, sand stockpiles were seized by the district and police administration in various areas of Salanpur block during the year 2025. The proceedings of the District Level Sand Committee meeting held on July 7, 2026, record the decision to conduct an e-auction of these seized and unclaimed sand stockpiles. Several companies participated in this process, and some companies were also awarded the work to lift the seized sand.
However, it is now alleged that along with lifting the sand allocated under the auction, sand is also allegedly being illegally extracted and transported from certain locations. If these allegations are confirmed, questions naturally arise about how sand transportation challans are being verified and how effective the monitoring mechanism is in the concerned areas.
AIMIM District President's claim—Government changed, but alleged trade did not stop
AIMIM District President Danish Aziz alleged that the youth named Deep was allegedly involved in illegally extracting sand from the river ghats of Salanpur block and smuggling it even during the tenure of the previous Trinamool Congress government.
He claims that even after the BJP formed the government in the state in 2026, this activity allegedly continues. Danish Aziz alleged that this game of sand smuggling is now taking place with the alleged support of some BJP leaders.
However, based on the available information supporting these allegations, the involvement of any individual or leader cannot be considered proven. The response of the concerned youth and the allegedly accused leaders is yet to emerge.
Krishnendu Mukherjee's counterattack—Attempt to defame BJP
BJP MLA and state-level leader Krishnendu Mukherjee outright rejected the allegations of illegal sand trade operating under the protection of BJP leaders. He said that the allegations made against the BJP are completely false and baseless, and that an attempt is being made to defame the party.
He clearly stated that if any person is found involved in illegally extracting sand from the river or smuggling it, strict action will be taken against them. He also added that no one involved in illegal activities will be spared.
Eyes fixed on administrative investigation
Amid allegations of alleged illegal sand extraction and the use of fake challans in Namokeshia, Upper Keshia, and Jitpur areas of Salanpur block, an administrative investigation has now become crucial. Verification of transport challans, sand extraction permits, auction documents, and vehicle movement records could clarify the actual situation.
Currently, the matter remains caught in political accusations and counter-accusations. The AIMIM District President has alleged illegal trade and political patronage, while the BJP MLA has dismissed these allegations and assured strict action. It remains to be seen what steps the administration concerned takes in this matter and what facts come to light in the investigation.
