Guwahati, Oct 08: A Kolkata-based businessman has levied serious allegations against associates of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA in Assam, claiming they forcibly took control of a coke plant he had established in Tinsukia district.
A startling and contentious incident has emerged in the northeastern state of Assam, where a Kolkata-based businessman has made explosive allegations against associates of a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MLA.
The businessman claims that, at the behest of the MLA, these individuals forcibly seized control of a coke plant that he had established in the Tinsukia district. The incident has come to public attention following a formal complaint lodged by the businessman, who penned a letter to Assam’s Chief Minister, Himanta Biswa Sarma, on October 4.
In the letter, he decries the atmosphere of “gundaraj” (lawlessness) perpetuated by the MLA and his associates, imploring the chief minister’s intervention. As of the time of this report, no substantial action has been taken in response to the complaint, despite claims by the district police that they are actively investigating the matter.
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According to the contents of the letter, the alleged series of events began in February 2022 when two individuals, Pradip Singh and Chandan Kalita, both hailing from Margherita, engaged in discussions with Kolkata-based businessman Ishan Jain. Singh and Kalita purportedly asserted their association with Margherita’s MLA, Bhaskar Sarma, and claimed to possess the requisite license for the establishment of a coke plant in Margherita.
They successfully persuaded Jain to proceed with the venture, offering unwavering support and assistance. In return, they proposed a levy of Rs 20,000 per truck of transported coal, a fee allegedly determined in consultation with MLA Sharma.
Subsequently, Brightshine Coke and Coal Private Limited was officially incorporated on August 29, 2022, with Jain and Singh as its appointed directors. However, discrepancies between Jain’s investment and the shares owned by both parties have since surfaced. While the letter insists that Jain had fully financed the company, official records indicate that Jain held 2,50,000 shares, with Singh owning 1,000 shares in the company.
The construction and setup of the coke plant reached completion in December 2022. Yet, the situation took an alarming turn immediately afterwards, as Singh and Kalita purportedly seized control of the facility. The letter alleges that, with the aid of “local hooligans,” the duo forcibly prevented Jain from accessing the plant. The situation escalated further when, on January 24 of the present year, Jain was reportedly detained at the Margherita Police station. His release occurred only the following day.
The letter claims that the police urged Jain to “run away” from Margherita. When questioned about the reasons behind Jain’s detention, Margherita Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Hemanta Kumar Boro declined to provide details, although he did not refute the detention itself.
Following sustained harassment by Singh and Kalita, coupled with alleged inaction and threats emanating from the police, Jain opted to distance himself from the company. On June 15, 2023, Mahesh Bhimsaria, a relative of Jain, formally joined the company as a director. Significantly, it was Bhimsaria who composed the letter addressed to the chief minister.
On August 5, Bhimsaria sought assistance from Tinsukia Superintendent of Police (SP) Gaurav Abhijit Dilip. The SP has confirmed that an inquiry into the matter has been initiated, though specific details remain undisclosed.
