Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor Dulal Sarkar, also known as Babla Sarkar, was shot dead by unidentified attackers in Malda district, West Bengal, on Thursday morning, police reported.
The assailants, riding on motorcycles, shot Sarkar multiple times in the head at close range at Jhaljhalia more area.
Sarkar, 61, was rushed to a nearby hospital but succumbed to his injuries. A police investigation is underway, with authorities working to identify the attackers. The incident was captured on security cameras, but the assailants' faces were covered.
After the killing, TMC leader Abhishek Banerjee urged the police to investigate the case impartially, without political bias.
West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock at the murder of Babla Sarkar, a long-time associate and popular leader in the TMC. She called him a “warrior” of the party and conveyed her condolences to his family.
Banerjee also criticised the police for neglecting Sarkar's security, as he had previously been attacked but his protection was withdrawn.
Sarkar, a former chairman of Malda municipality, was a key figure in the local TMC and had served as a councillor six times. He was also involved in the business sector and had contested assembly elections twice.
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The police have set up barricades in the area and are reviewing security footage. Eyewitnesses reported seeing three of the attackers flee towards old Malda town. TMC’s Abhishek Banerjee suggested the murder might have been due to internal party rivalry or an opposition act, but he did not rule out any possibility.
BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari criticised the state government, accusing Mamata Banerjee of allowing Malda to become a safe haven for terrorists. He claimed that the law and order situation in the state had collapsed, leading to such violent incidents.
The investigation into the killing of the senior TMC leader continues as police work to uncover the truth behind the attack.
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