An undated image of Tahsin Ahmed, son of TMC Minority Cell’s state leader Shakil Ahmed, who has been accused by the BJP of being involved in a financial scam in Asansol.
| Photo Credit: PTI
Almost a decade after ponzi scams by Saradha and Rose Valley groups had rocked West Bengal, a fresh chit fund scam has surfaced at Asansol in States Paschim Bardhaman district. Locals have held protests demanding the return of money and police have drawn up FIRs at Asansol North Police Station against Tahsin Ahmed, who has allegedly duped the investors of the money. Tahsin Ahmed is son of Shakeel Ahmed, who is associated with the minority wing of Trinamool Congress.
Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said that the scam has affected 3000 families. “For 3 long years, Tahsin Ahmed; son of Shakil Ahmed alias Master Shakil, Co-President of TMC’s Minority Wing in Paschim Bardhaman district has been looting over 3,000 innocent families in Asansol. ₹350 Crore amassed through a FAKE UNLICENSED company!” Mr. Adhikari posted on social media
The BJP leader claimed that “big Trinamool Congress leaders and the corrupt administration provided full cover, otherwise such a heist would not have been possible”. “Where did the ₹350 Crores go? Benami properties? Terror funding? Anti-national activities? TMC’s dirty political slush funds?” Mr. Adhikari asked.
According to the Nandigram, BJP MLA Tahsin Ahmed promised 14% monthly returns and then vanished on October 15. Mr. Adhikari demanded the arrest of Tahsin Ahmed, return of money of the investors and investigation by SEBI-ED into the money trails.
Moutusi Dutta, one of the victims of alleged financial fraud said that she had deposited Rs 20 lakh by mortgaing her gold jewellery. “I got interest for a few months, then it suddenly stopped. Now when I go to ask for money, I am being pushed around,” she said.
Trinamool Congress leader from Asansol V. Sivadasan (Dasu) said that the scam has nothing to do with the party. “We want those behind the crime to be arrested. The father of the accused (Tahsin Ahmed) was associated with the party till 2023,” Meanwhile, Tahsin Ahmed has released a video apologising to the depositors saying that he has not been able to return the money.
The Rose Valley and Saradha scams had rocked the State around 2013 and dominated the politics for several years. The Rose Valley scam, which has spread tentacles in several states across eastern India was significantly larger than the Saradha scam, The Rose Valley fraud ranging from ₹15,000 to ₹17,500 crore. By comparison, the Saradha scam was reported to be around ₹2,460 crore.
Published – October 24, 2025 02:30 am IST
