TMC Councillor Arrested in Barrackpore After Fatal Attack on Elderly Man
Tension gripped Ward No. 23 of North Barrackpore, near Kolkata, as local Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor Rabindranath Bhattacharya was arrested on Sunday following the death of an 81-year-old man he allegedly kicked during a violent confrontation. The incident, which has sparked outrage and political fallout, stemmed from a long-standing dispute over illegal construction in the Manirampur area.
Details of the Fatal Incident
Tulsi Adhikari, 81, was attacked on Saturday after a protest against unauthorized construction escalated into a physical altercation. According to family members, Rabindranath Bhattacharya arrived at the scene and allegedly assaulted Hemant Adhikari, Tulsi's son. When Tulsi intervened to protect his son, the councillor reportedly kicked him, causing him to collapse immediately. He was rushed to Barrackpore Cantonment Hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival.
The police have launched a thorough investigation into the matter. They have cordoned off the area and are reviewing CCTV footage from the scene to piece together the events. Additionally, officers are recording statements from eyewitnesses and neighbors to gather evidence. A police officer stated, "We are investigating the involvement of local leaders in the illegal construction that triggered the protest. The body of the deceased has been sent for a postmortem to determine the exact cause of his death."
Political Reactions and Suspension
Following the incident, the ruling Trinamool Congress took swift action by suspending Rabindranath Bhattacharya for six years. Barrackpore MP Partha Bhowmick condemned the act, emphasizing that the party would not tolerate such behavior. He told reporters, "The party has suspended Rabindranath Bhattacharya. The law will take its own course. We don’t know how and why the TMC got involved in this."
In contrast, BJP leader and former MP Arjun Singh, who visited the area, accused local police of initially attempting to shield the councillor before public pressure mounted. This allegation has added a layer of controversy to the case, highlighting tensions between political factions in the region.
Background of the Dispute
The confrontation was rooted in a protracted conflict over illegal construction in Manirampur, which had been a source of community unrest. Residents, including Tulsi Adhikari and his family, had been protesting against the unauthorized structures, leading to heightened tensions. The escalation into violence underscores the broader issues of governance and law enforcement in dealing with such disputes in urban areas.
As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on both the immediate circumstances of the attack and the underlying causes related to the illegal construction. The case has drawn significant attention, raising questions about accountability and safety in local communities.
