Is Bengal Leading the Pack in Club Extortion?

In a recent debate, it was asserted that West Bengal is the most corrupt state in India, driven by a club culture, and marked by practices of extortion and torture. The essence of this critique lies in the rampant and widespread business of extortion being carried out by certain businesses and clubs within the state, especially in Siliguri and across West Bengal.

Flourishing Business of Extortion

The business of extortion in West Bengal has become a burning issue, fueled by some white-collar gentlemen known as bhadralok. These individuals are believed to extort money from residents under the guise of various activities such as pujas, dance parties, sports tournaments, and lotteries. Many of the so-called 'clubs' have names suggesting a commitment to sport, but their primary function is to engage in extortionary activities.

Problems with Club Operations

The root of the problem lies in the core operations of these clubs, which are nothing more than extortionist organizations. They extort huge sums of money from new residents, falsely promising security. Terms like 'donation', 'contribution', and 'subscription' are used, but the reality is that these are nothing but blatant examples of extortion. Those who refuse to participate or cooperate are often ostracized and subjected to constant harassment by both the clubs and their neighbors, who have been brainwashed into perpetuating this system.

Law and Order Under Siege

The state government is entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining law and order and ensuring public safety. However, the presence of these clubs has led to a situation where they are providing false assurances of security for a price. This is not only undemocratic and unconstitutional but also unethical and morally reprehensible. It undermines the principles of a written constitution and the rule of law.

Government-Certified Extortion

A particularly vexing aspect of this issue is the fact that many of these clubs are registered by the government, despite the terror they pose to their residents. It raises questions about the nature of governance in West Bengal. If the state is truly committed to being a model state, why is it not taking steps to ban these extortionist clubs?

Conclusion

Am I correct in saying that West Bengal leads in the club industry in terms of extortion? The answer lies in the pervasive nature of such businesses and the social and legal issues they perpetrate. This should prompt a thorough reevaluation of the state's governance and the actions taken by the government to address such practices.