In a breakthrough just 24 hours after Trinamool Congress leader Ashoke Shaw was shot dead in broad daylight during by-elections in Naihati, near Kolkata, police have arrested the main suspect.
The accused, Kausar Ali, is known as a local extortionist and had been released on bail three months ago.
"We have arrested Kausar Ali in connection with the murder, and we are actively searching for other suspects," said Aloke Rajoria, Commissioner of Police, Barrackpore Commissionerate.
Shaw was killed in front of a tea stall just two hours after the by-elections began on Wednesday. Witnesses reported that three men approached him, and one fired multiple shots at close range.
"Shaw was struck by four bullets, causing him to collapse instantly. The attack appeared to be a targeted effort to eliminate Shaw, who served as the president of a ward in Bhatpara Municipality. He was declared dead upon arrival at a nearby hospital," a police officer stated.
Early investigations suggest that internal disputes within the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) may have led to the killing.
"Kausar Ali is known locally as a TMC activist. Residents claim that Shaw had opposed Kausar's illegal activities, which included extorting money from local hooch operations and illegal electricity hookups. Kausar was arrested last year for similar offenses," another police officer said.
Police confirmed that the two other men involved in the shooting are also from the same locality, and efforts are underway to locate them.
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