Satyajit Biswas was shot dead at point-blank range while attending a public function in Majhdia.
Highlights
- Satyajit Biswas was shot dead while attending an event in Majhdia
- Trinamool has accused BJP leader Mukul Roy for the murder
- BJP has called for a CBI probe into the incident
BJP leader Mukul Roy was among four people who have been named in connection with the killing of Trinamool Congress lawmaker Satyajit Biswas in West Bengal's Nadia district. Of the four people, two people have been arrested and a police officer has been suspended in connection with the case.
Satyajit Biswas was shot dead at point-blank range while attending a public function in West Bengal's Majhdia, 120 km from Kolkata. The Trinamool lawmaker from Nadia district was shot dead moments after he inaugurated a Saraswati Puja function, the police said. The event was organised by a club called "Amra Shobai" (All of Us). He was immediately taken to a local hospital where doctors announced him "brought dead".
Kartik Mondal and Sujit Mondal - both residents of the Majhdia area - were detained yesterday, but now they two have been formally arrested. The officer in charge of Hanskhali police station has also been suspended.
"So far, we have arrested two persons in this case and detained another three. A country-made revolver used to shoot the MLA has also been recovered. As per our primary findings, it seems that the victim was fired from behind and the act was the result of a well-planned plot," a police officer was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.
Eyewitnesses said Mr Biswas was sitting on a chair in the front row with a small group of people who had gathered to watch a cultural show on a small stage. Mr Biswas was killed by two-four assailants, news agency ANI said.
"It sounded like a firecracker going off. Then I saw Mr Biswas slumped to the ground," an eyewitness said. "I was just about five feet away from (Satyajit) Biswas and rushed to help him. He was completely covered in blood."
Gaurishankar Dutta, Trinamool president of Nadia district, has accused BJP leader Mukul Roy for the murder. Mr Dutta had left the venue minutes before the daylight murder happened.
The Trinamool strongly condemned the killing.
According to police sources, Mr Biswas was shot multiple times from close range. The gunmen took advantage of the confusion and panic following the incident to escape, they added.
The shocking murder comes just days before election dates are to be announced and in the middle of a confrontation between the ruling Trinamool and the BJP.
The BJP has blamed Trinamool's own factional feud for the killing and demanded a probe by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI).
"I think it would be best to have a CBI probe because the CID will not be able to unearth the truth as Satyajit Biswas is the victim of intractable clash; it is best to get the CBI. The truth will come out," said BJP leader Sayantan Bose.
BJP state president said Dilip Ghosh all the party will fully back and cooperate with a CBI probe into the incident.
"The death of the MLA was most unfortunate... BJP workers are being slapped with cases. Thakurnagar, Durgapur... Mamata (Banerjee) is seeing this and getting nervous. The Trinamool is wrecked by factional feud. Satyajit Biswas' murder needs an impartial probe; my condolences to his family," Mukul Roy said.
"My lawyer has sent a letter to Gaurishankar Dutta for threatening me... When (Trinamool leader) Dulal Biswas was murdered (in April 2007), they said BJP did it, but it turned out to be TMC," Mr Roy said.