📷 Image: Wikimedia Commons / Joydeep
Politics
West Bengal minister says extortion persists, asks a year to eradicate it
✍️ Hindustan Times
🗓 15 Nov 2026, 02:02 PM
👁 30
A senior West Bengal minister warned that extortion remains widespread under the newly formed state government and appealed for a twelve‑month window to eradicate the practice.
Kolkata, West Bengal – A senior minister of the West Bengal government told reporters that the practice of extortion has not diminished since the new administration took office. The official emphasized that the crime continues to affect businesses and ordinary citizens across the state, undermining law and order.
The minister said that eliminating extortion will require a focused, systematic effort and requested a period of one year to implement comprehensive measures. These measures are expected to include intensified police raids, stricter monitoring of suspected networks, and coordination with local authorities.
While the statement did not provide specific figures, the minister highlighted that the government is committed to tackling the issue head‑on and will track progress regularly. The call for a dedicated timeframe signals the administration's intent to prioritize anti‑extortion operations in its early agenda.
Analysts note that extortion has long been a concern in parts of West Bengal, often linked to informal groups and corrupt practices. The minister's appeal for a year-long focus may test the new government's capacity to deliver tangible results.
The statement comes as the state prepares to roll out other governance initiatives, and officials say that success in curbing extortion could bolster public confidence in the new leadership.
The minister said that eliminating extortion will require a focused, systematic effort and requested a period of one year to implement comprehensive measures. These measures are expected to include intensified police raids, stricter monitoring of suspected networks, and coordination with local authorities.
While the statement did not provide specific figures, the minister highlighted that the government is committed to tackling the issue head‑on and will track progress regularly. The call for a dedicated timeframe signals the administration's intent to prioritize anti‑extortion operations in its early agenda.
Analysts note that extortion has long been a concern in parts of West Bengal, often linked to informal groups and corrupt practices. The minister's appeal for a year-long focus may test the new government's capacity to deliver tangible results.
The statement comes as the state prepares to roll out other governance initiatives, and officials say that success in curbing extortion could bolster public confidence in the new leadership.