Violent Clash at Village Meeting Leaves Two TMC Workers Dead
In a shocking incident of political violence, West Bengal police have arrested eleven individuals and detained two minors for the brutal murder of two Trinamool Congress workers in Malda district. The gruesome attack occurred during what was supposed to be a peaceful resolution meeting to settle an agricultural dispute.
The deceased have been identified as Badshah Sheikh and Ekramul Sheikh, both local TMC workers from Rajnagar Model village in Kaliachak. According to police reports, the violence erupted on Thursday during a 'salishi sabha' - a traditional village mediation meeting.
Dispute Over Tractor Incident Turns Deadly
The conflict originated from an agricultural dispute that had been brewing for several days between one of the victims and prime accused Samsul Sheikh (56). The tension escalated earlier on Tuesday when standing maize crops were destroyed after a tractor ran across farmland, creating hostility between the parties involved.
To resolve the escalating situation, a local TMC leader convened a meeting at Rajnagar Model Madrasa. During the proceedings, witnesses reported that Samsul Sheikh was allegedly asked to hold his ears and perform sit-ups as part of the settlement process. This humiliation apparently triggered the violent outburst.
"During the hearing, Samsul and his accomplices suddenly attacked the two TMC workers with sharp-edged weapons in a fit of rage," stated police officials familiar with the investigation. The assault was so severe that both victims succumbed to their injuries despite being rushed to medical facilities.
Police Action and Arrests
Following the brutal incident, Malda police launched an intensive investigation based on complaints filed by the victims' family members. By Friday, authorities had successfully apprehended all eleven accused individuals, all of whom are residents of Rajnagar Model village.
The arrested accused include: Samsul Sheikh (56), Rofikul Islam (27), Golam Mutafa (25), Glam Ahammed Reja (23), Ibrahim Sheikh (24), Sheikh Wahab (70), Zahangir Hossain alias Protap (38), Safikul Sheikh (45), Gulsan Bibi (35), Nasnur Bibi (30) alias Moniruzzaman and Umme Kusum alias (25).
In addition to the adult arrests, police have also detained two minors in connection with the case. The swift police action came within 24 hours of the double murder, demonstrating the seriousness with which authorities are treating the case.
Ekramul Sheikh's wife spoke to media persons, confirming that her husband was attacked by a group over the land-related dispute. The tragic incident has sent shockwaves through the local community and highlighted the potential dangers of extra-judicial settlement methods.
This case represents another instance of political violence in West Bengal, raising concerns about the safety of political workers at the grassroots level. The investigation continues as authorities work to ensure all those involved face justice for their actions.