Another TMC leader killed in Malda, two party members injured in attack

Last update:January 14, 2025, 9:40 pm EST

The incident took place in Kaliaganj area under Kaliachak police station limits when TMC local committee president Bakul Sheikh and other party workers were participating in a program.

Another TMC worker was killed in the attack and two others, including the local committee chairman, were seriously injured. (Representative image)

Less than two weeks after the murder of Trinamool Congress (TMC) councilor Dulal Sarkar, West Bengal’s Malda district was rocked by fresh violence as another TMC worker was killed and two others, including a local committee chairman, were seriously injured in an attack on Tuesday, police said. he said.

The incident took place in Kaliaganj area under Kaliachak police station limits when TMC local committee president Bakul Sheikh and other party workers were participating in a road inauguration program.

Initial reports indicate that four to five assailants arrived at the scene and fired indiscriminately at Bakul Sheikh and his associates.

In the evening, the police reported that no gunshot wounds were found on the body of the deceased or the injured.

“The person died after being repeatedly hit with a brick by the attackers. Two other people suffered similar injuries. Initial findings indicate that no shots were fired,” a police officer said. Ataul Haque alias Hasu Sheikh, a TMC worker, died on the spot. Disturbing video footage shows that as Haque fell to the ground, one of the attackers continuously hit him with a brick.

Bakul Sheikh and former panchayat chief Esaruddin Sheikh sustained serious injuries and are undergoing treatment at Malda Medical College and Hospital, where their condition remains serious, police said.

“We are interviewing witnesses and other people. So far, 10 people have been arrested and six more have been identified,” Malda District Superintendent of Police Pradeep Kumar Yadav said in a statement.

Initial investigations suggest the attack may be linked to factionalism within the ruling party, police sources said.

Senior TMC leaders, including English Bazar municipality president Krishnendu Narayan Choudhury, claimed that external forces, including Bangladeshi infiltrators, could be involved in the attack.

The deceased’s brother Hasa Sheikh alleged that Zakir Sheikh, a former Congress member who recently joined the TMC with the help of Block TMC president, orchestrated the attack following a long-standing dispute with Bakul Sheikh over territorial dominance.

TMC district president Abdur Rahim Boxi, however, denied that Zakir Sheikh is a member of the party, claiming, “Zakir Sheikh is not affiliated with TMC. He harbors personal enmity towards Bakul Sheikh and was motivated by revenge.” Boxi added that there is an ongoing legal dispute between the two people.

The attack came amid heightened tension in Malda following the January 2 murder of TMC district vice-president Dulal Sarkar, who was shot dead in broad daylight near his home.

Seven people have been arrested in connection with Sarkar’s murder, but the case remains unsolved. The party expelled its Malda city president Narendra Nath Tiwari, who was arrested last week for his alleged involvement in a murder conspiracy.

The spate of killings has intensified speculation about infighting within the ruling party, raising questions about the TMC’s ability to deal with factionalism ahead of the crucial panchayat elections.

(This story has not been edited by News18 staff and is published from a news agency feed – PTI)