Select a news story to see related coverage from other media outlets.
A report alleges a liquor scam in West Bengal involving extortion of 36 bottlers by distributors linked to TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee following 2021 policy changes in the West Bengal State Beverages Corporation Limited (WBSBCL). Former Excise Commissioner Randhir Kumar, who established WBSBCL in 2017, stated revenue increased under his tenure and suggested graft began after 2021 modifications. The BJP criticized the changes, alleging corruption benefiting TMC leadership, while bottlers demand the removal of distributors.
We measured how 2 outlets covered this story. Coverage leans left-leaning overall (Left 70%, Centre 20%, Right 10%). Overall sentiment is negative (25/100). Lens Score 89/100 — critical public interest.
Outlets analysed (first-hand measurement by TBN's Bias Engine):
The articles present perspectives from multiple political actors: the TMC is implicated through allegations linking its leader to extortion, while the BJP uses the report to criticize the ruling party's governance. The former excise official provides a neutral administrative viewpoint, emphasizing policy timelines and revenue data. Coverage includes both accusations and official responses, reflecting a politically charged environment with competing narratives.
The overall tone is critical, focusing on allegations of corruption and extortion within West Bengal's liquor trade. While the former excise commissioner offers a factual account of revenue growth, the dominant sentiment highlights concerns over graft and political misuse of policy changes. Bottlers' demands and BJP criticisms contribute to a negative framing, though the summary maintains neutrality by presenting multiple viewpoints.
Each source's own headline, political lean, and sentiment — so you can see framing differences at a glance.
| Source | Their headline | Bias | Sentiment |
|---|---|---|---|
| thestatesman | Bengal bottlers want 'distributors' gone, say Jahangir Khan enforced extortion | Left | Negative |
| thestatesman | West Bengal ex-excise chief says 2021 tweaks in WBSBCL led to graft | Left | Negative |
thestatesman broke this story on 8 Jun, 06:01 pm. Other outlets followed.
Critical story with high public interest and significant coverage gap — major outlets are underreporting this.
TBN's analysis identified the following accountability dimensions in this story.
This story involves alleged financial misconduct — unexplained transactions, procurement irregularities, or misuse of public/shareholder funds.
This story involves alleged misuse of official authority or institutional position to achieve personal or political ends.
Institutions and figures named across source coverage.
