Malda, Oct. 22 -- A 27-year-old BJP worker, Samir Ghosh, was allegedly hacked with sharp weapons and shot dead in Ramkeli under English Bazar Police Station in Malda on Wednesday night, triggering tension in the area. Several others were also injured in the incident. The victim's family has accused local Mamata All India Trinamool Congress (MAITC) workers of carrying out the attack. Police and Central forces have been deployed in the area to prevent further violence and maintain law and order.

According to the victim's brother, Bibek Ghosh, Samir was involved with the BJP, while the accused belonged to the MAITC. "First, they attacked my brother with sharp weapons and then shot him to ensure that he was dead," Bibek alleged. Another family member, Basanti Ghosh, said: "They hacked him to death and then fired four rounds. We are terrified. We demand the death penalty for the accused."

However, MAITC leader Biswajit Ghosh, alleged that members of his family was also attacked, presenting a counterclaim in the escalating dispute.

"The two families have a drift between them but the entire matter is being politicised now. The offenders must be punished as per law," Ghosh said. Police reached the spot after receiving information, recovered the body and sent it for post mortem examination. Several injured persons are undergoing treatment at Malda Medical College and Hospital. Police have registered a case and initiated an investigation.

English Bazar MLA and state Chief Whip Amlan Bhaduri described the incident as unfortunate.

"The deceased was one of our workers. The area has witnessed widespread criminal activities in the past. The police are investigating the matter, and I have urged the district police superintendent to ensure appropriate punishment for those found guilty," he said.

Police said the case has a possible connection to an earlier murder. In 2025, Samir's father, Lal Chand Ghosh, was accused of murdering Subal Ghosh. Shatru Ghosh, a relative of Subal, is a key accused in that case.

Malda SP Anupam Singh said Rajen Ghosh was arrested in connection with the latest incident. "Searches and raids are underway. Police and Central forces are patrolling the area," he said.

Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Millennium Post.