Fresh violence has rattled West Bengal’s political landscape as a BJP supporter was brutally hacked to death in Malda’s English Bazar, allegedly after being lured out of his home. The incident, unfolding amid rising tensions over post-poll violence, has once again put law and order under scrutiny, even as police begin their investigation.
The victim, identified as 28-year-old Kishan Halder, was a resident of the Gaduya Mor area under Ward No. 1 of English Bazar municipality. According to his family, he received a phone call late Wednesday night and stepped out, but never returned. His blood-soaked body was later discovered barely 500 metres from his home, in the Maheshpur Baganpara locality.
Police recovered a large sharp weapon, believed to be a sickle, from the spot. Preliminary findings suggest that Kishan was attacked with the weapon in a brutal assault. Reports also indicate that two of his associates sustained injuries during the incident, pointing to a violent clash rather than a targeted single-person attack.
Family members have accused local residents Golam Halder and his son Suman Halder, along with several others, of being involved in the killing. Based on initial inputs, police have detained two individuals and launched a detailed probe into the case.
Despite the political backdrop, BJP leaders have downplayed any direct political motive behind the killing. According to party sources, the incident stemmed from a local dispute between a group of youths, including Kishan and the accused. The party has maintained that those involved do not have any known political affiliations.
Security forces, including central personnel and local police, rushed to the scene soon after the body was recovered. The area witnessed heightened tension, with residents gathering at the spot. The police have since sent the body for post-mortem and are examining all angles, including personal rivalry and group conflict.
As investigations continue, the incident adds to a series of violent episodes reported across the state in the aftermath of elections, keeping the political atmosphere charged and volatile.
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