Tension escalated in certain areas of Murshidabad district in West Bengal on Saturday after the killing of a local Congress leader.
Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, the State Congress President and Lok Sabha member, alleged that Fulchand Seikh (42) was fatally shot at close range in Khargram on Friday. The incident occurred on the first day of filing nominations for the upcoming state panchayat polls. Chowdhury expressed his intention to visit the scene and meet with the victim’s family.
Chowdhury further claimed that Seikh and his son were sitting in front of their residence when a group of miscreants, allegedly led by local Trinamool Congress leader Rafiq, launched an attack. Seikh was shot at close range and succumbed to his injuries, while three others who tried to intervene were assaulted by members of the ruling party, according to Chowdhury’s allegations.
While the district Trinamool leadership denied any involvement in the incident, an atmosphere of tension continued to prevail in the district.
The State Election Commission has requested a detailed report from the Murshidabad district administration regarding the incident.
Earlier today, the district police arrested two individuals, Kajal Sheikh and Safique Shekh, in connection with the heinous murder. The Congress leadership claimed that both individuals were actively associated with the ruling party in the state.
Meanwhile, the Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, launched a scathing criticism against the state administration in response to the murder.
“Day 1 of Nominations: 5 rounds of bullets fired by TMC goons at Khargram, Murshidabad district. Fulchand Sheikh succumbs to bullet injuries, marking the first casualty of the Panchayat Elections. Three others are seriously injured. Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and State Election Commissioner Rajiva Sinha have blood on their hands.”
“This is just the beginning. People of West Bengal, brace yourselves for the worst bloodshed you have ever seen, because the State Election Commission and the WB Government have colluded to prioritize their vested interests over the lives of the people of the state. Mamata Police won’t be able to provide security,” Adhikari strongly expressed in a Twitter message. (Edited)