Post-Poll Violence in Kolkata: Two Dead in Separate Incidents
Kolkata witnessed two post-poll deaths within 24 hours. A Trinamool Congress poll agent was found dead at his doorstep in Beleghata, while a BJP worker was killed in New Town's Baligari after a scuffle with a group of Trinamool workers.
Beleghata Incident
Biswajit Pattanaik (45), a Trinamool poll agent, was at his home in Kabi Sukanta Sarani all day after the election results were announced. He left home around 7 pm after receiving a phone call. Half an hour later, his family heard loud banging on their door and found him lying at the doorstep in a pool of blood.
Police have registered a murder case based on the family's complaint but are checking all angles. A post-mortem has been conducted, and forensic experts will examine the scene. The BJP has denied any involvement. A police officer stated, "Prima facie, we have found that he was chased. He ran inside and locked the main door. But the accused tried to break it down. In fear, he climbed up to the terrace. He then tried to get down from the cornice in another direction. However, he lost balance and fell. He fell on a tap which broke and washed away his blood. That is the reason the family did not see blood at the spot although he was bleeding from nose and ears."
However, the family claimed he was assaulted. Biswanath Das, the victim's father-in-law, said, "It was after 7 pm that he came down receiving a call. He was attacked by goons once he stepped on the road. They chased him. They even broke the main door and brought him outside only to assault him mercilessly. There were several neighbours, but they were too scared to help." The victim's sister added, "I still cannot get over the sight." According to Das, Biswajit worked as a chef in Behala and is survived by his 4-year-old son, wife, and elderly parents.
MLA Kunal Ghosh said Biswajit was an active Trinamool worker. "I have spoken to the Beleghata OC and we are collating things from all possible sources. Why attack and kill an innocent?" he asked.
This death echoes a similar murder after the 2021 assembly results. Abhijit Sarkar, a BJP worker, was murdered in Beleghata on May 2, 2021. He was allegedly dragged from his home and killed, with his family alleging Trinamool involvement. The case is now with the CBI, which has named former Trinamool MLA Paresh Pal and 19 others in supplementary charge sheets, leading to arrests and judicial custody of police officers in 2025.
New Town Incident
In the second case, Madhu Mondal (46), a BJP worker, and a group of BJP workers went to the house of a local Trinamool functionary to threaten and seize a Trinamool party office on Tuesday afternoon. A scuffle ensued when Kamal Mondal allegedly pushed Madhu and kicked him on the chest. Madhu fell unconscious and was taken to the nearest hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. In retaliation, BJP supporters vandalized Kamal's house.
BJP MLA Piyush Kanodia visited the victim's home, offered condolences, and demanded a thorough investigation and arrest of the accused, who is absconding.
