Kolkata: A timber merchant has alleged that he has faced prolonged financial and administrative difficulties while participating in timber auctions conducted by the West Bengal Forest Corporation Limited (WBFCL). The merchant has appealed to the state government and other competent authorities for an independent investigation into the matter.

According to the representation submitted by the merchant, he has been participating in WBFCL’s online timber auctions since 2017. He claims that various administrative actions, including disputes related to auction lots, payment procedures, and his status as an auction participant, adversely affected his business operations and caused financial losses.

The merchant has also alleged procedural irregularities in the handling of certain auction lots, claiming that one of the purchased lots was re-auctioned without prior notice to him. He further stated that he later paid the amount demanded by the corporation in accordance with its terms and conditions, despite disputing liability for the alleged loss.

In his representation, the merchant has requested an impartial inquiry into the auction process and the handling of his case. He has also sought appropriate redressal for the financial losses he claims to have suffered.

As of now, there has been no official response from the West Bengal Forest Corporation Limited regarding these allegations, and no court or investigating agency has established any wrongdoing by the corporation or its officials.

The matter remains a subject of the merchant’s representations to the authorities, and any findings would depend on the outcome of any official inquiry or legal proceedings.