TMC Councillor Arrested Following Fatal Altercation with Elderly Man in Barrackpore
A Trinamool Congress councillor from North Barrackpore has been taken into police custody after a violent confrontation with an 81-year-old man resulted in the elderly individual's death. The incident, which occurred on Sunday, has triggered significant political repercussions and a thorough police investigation into the circumstances surrounding the tragic event.
Details of the Alleged Assault and Subsequent Death
Ward number 23 councillor Rabindranath Bhattacharya, who also serves as a practicing lawyer and holds the position of secretary for the Barrackpore Bar Association, stands accused of physically assaulting Tulsi Adhikari. The altercation reportedly stemmed from Adhikari's persistent complaints regarding an illegal construction project in his neighborhood.
According to the official First Information Report (FIR) filed with authorities, the conflict escalated when Adhikari and his son, Hemanta, attempted to halt construction work at a nearby property they believed violated municipal regulations. The family alleges that despite multiple notifications to Councillor Bhattacharya about the illegal activity, he failed to take appropriate action and instead verbally abused the complainant.
Sequence of Events Leading to the Tragedy
On the morning of the incident, Hemanta Adhikari met with Councillor Bhattacharya to discuss the construction matter. Sources indicate that during this meeting, the councillor insisted the construction was legally sanctioned and allegedly subjected Hemanta to further verbal abuse. When Tulsi Adhikari learned of this exchange, he confronted the councillor directly, questioning why he had insulted his son.
Witness accounts and family statements describe a physical altercation that ensued. "The councillor pushed my father-in-law, causing him to fall on the road. As he got up, he was kicked by the councillor, after which he collapsed," stated Paromita, the victim's daughter-in-law, in her testimony to authorities. Adhikari was immediately transported to a nearby medical facility, where attending physicians pronounced him dead upon arrival.
Official Response and Investigation Progress
Barrackpore Police Commissioner Praveen Kumar Tripathi confirmed that authorities are treating the matter with utmost seriousness. "We are looking into the matter seriously in connection with the death of the elderly man. We are also waiting for the autopsy report to determine the exact cause of death," Commissioner Tripathi stated. Investigators have collected CCTV footage from the vicinity and are examining it as part of their comprehensive inquiry.
Deputy Commissioner of Police (Central) Indravadan Jha emphasized that the investigation remains active and ongoing. The forensic autopsy results are anticipated to provide crucial evidence regarding the precise circumstances that led to Adhikari's demise.
Political Fallout and Denial of Allegations
In response to the incident, the Trinamool Congress has taken disciplinary action against Councillor Bhattacharya, suspending him from the party for a period of six years. Barrackpore Member of Parliament Partha Bhowmick visited the Adhikari family residence to offer condolences and assure them of the party's support. "The deceased's family had already lodged a complaint with the municipality regarding an illegal multi-storey construction adjacent to their house. The councillor getting involved and allegedly attacking the man... TMC does not support this under any circumstance," Bhowmick affirmed.
Councillor Bhattacharya has categorically denied the assault allegations, presenting a contradictory version of events. "They grabbed me by the collar and hurled abuses at me. I asked them to leave. After walking some distance, the elderly man fell ill at a vegetable market. I heard he passed away later," Bhattacharya claimed in his defense statement to investigators.
The case continues to develop as police gather additional evidence and statements from all involved parties. The incident has highlighted ongoing concerns about illegal construction practices and the responsibilities of elected municipal representatives in addressing constituent complaints.
