Kankurgachhi Murder Case — In a politically explosive development, the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has named senior Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders, including MLA Paresh Pal and two Kolkata Municipal Corporation councillors, in its supplementary chargesheet in the 2021 Kankurgachhi murder case involving the killing of BJP worker Abhijit Sarkar. This fresh twist brings renewed focus to allegations of post-poll political violence, and raises serious questions about collusion, institutional protection, and accountability.
The Case: A Post-Poll Killing That Shook Kolkata
On May 2, 2021, following the announcement of the West Bengal Assembly election results, violent clashes broke out in several parts of the state. In the Kankurgachhi-Narkeldanga area of North Kolkata, 35-year-old Abhijit Sarkar—a BJP activist—was allegedly beaten to death by a mob.
According to the FIR filed by his family:
- Sarkar was attacked inside his home.
- He was brutally assaulted with blunt objects.
- A television cable was wrapped around his neck.
The case quickly became symbolic of the broader violence that engulfed Bengal in the days following the TMC’s electoral victory.
CBI’s Supplementary Chargesheet: Who Has Been Named?
After taking over the investigation in August 2021, the CBI filed a primary chargesheet against 20 individuals. In its latest move, it has included 18 new accused:
- Paresh Pal, MLA from Beleghata (TMC)
- Swapan Samaddar, councillor of Ward 56
- Papiya Ghosh, councillor of Ward 30
- Three police personnel from Narkeldanga police station
- Several other local-level TMC workers
The charges are serious and include:
- Section 302 – Murder
- Section 120B – Criminal conspiracy
- Section 201 – Destruction of evidence
- Sections 147/148/149 – Unlawful assembly and rioting
The Political Implications
The naming of elected representatives has added fuel to an already sensitive political environment in the state. The TMC leadership has dismissed the charges as vendetta, while opposition parties, particularly the BJP, have demanded arrests and judicial custody of the accused.
This is the first time that such senior TMC figures have been officially implicated in the case, leading to:
- Renewed demands for MLA resignation
- Concerns over misuse of police machinery
- Allegations that political protection delayed justice
Kankurgachhi Murder Case: Family’s Fight for Justice
Abhijit Sarkar’s brother, Biswajit Sarkar, has been fighting a public and legal battle for over four years. In a statement, he said:
“This is not a political case. This is about murder. My brother was killed brutally, and only now the powerful names are being exposed. We want justice, not symbolism.”
He has consistently alleged that political connections prevented a fair and swift investigation in the initial months after the crime.
Allegations Against Police Officials
Among the newly named accused are:
- The then Station House Officer (SHO) of Narkeldanga
- Sub-Inspector Ratna Sarkar
- One home guard
CBI’s internal findings suggest that these officers:
- Failed to act despite prior complaints about threats to Sarkar’s life
- Allegedly aided in covering up the incident
- Tampered with the initial site inspection reports
Political Violence and Accountability in Bengal
This case is part of a wider narrative of political clashes and targeted violence in West Bengal. The 2021 post-poll period saw dozens of cases of:
- Homicides
- Assaults
- Property destruction
- Sexual violence allegedly linked to political vendettas
A Calcutta High Court order in August 2021 had directed the CBI to investigate all cases of murder and rape that appeared politically motivated. The National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) had also submitted a scathing report at the time, recommending CBI oversight.
Institutional Inertia and Delayed Prosecution
Observers have noted that while the CBI was given charge in 2021, the pace of the investigation slowed significantly after initial arrests. The inclusion of high-ranking politicians in the supplementary chargesheet—more than four years later—raises questions such as:
- Why were these names left out initially?
- Was there pressure or lobbying to delay the findings?
- How impartial has the process really been?
What Happens Now?
With the updated chargesheet filed in court:
- The accused will be summoned for questioning and legal hearings.
- TMC MLA Paresh Pal may face a court-monitored investigation or custodial interrogation.
- The CBI may move to seek arrest warrants if non-cooperation is observed.
- The Calcutta High Court may call for updates and timelines on trial proceedings.
- Further supplementary charges may be added if new evidence emerges.
Public & Political Reactions
Opposition Parties (BJP, Congress)
- Called for immediate arrest of named leaders.
- Accused the TMC of trying to suppress the truth.
- Announced candlelight marches and protest rallies in North Kolkata.
Trinamool Congress
- Maintained that the allegations are baseless.
- Accused the CBI of acting under central government pressure.
- Declared support for the councillors, stating that the “truth will prevail.”
External Links for Context
Here are some authoritative sources for background reading:
- CBI – Official Portal
- Code of Criminal Procedure (India) – Government of India
- Ministry of Law and Justice – IPC & Criminal Law Reforms
- Election Commission of India – Post-Poll Conduct Guidelines
- National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Reports
- Supreme Court of India – Orders on West Bengal Post-Poll Violence (Archived)
Larger Questions Raised
- Should political parties be held institutionally responsible for violence conducted by their supporters?
- Can state police forces remain neutral in post-poll environments?
- Should sitting MLAs automatically lose office if named in murder-related FIRs?
- Is the centralization of criminal investigations through CBI ensuring justice, or politicizing it further?
Conclusion
The inclusion of TMC MLA Paresh Pal and councillors in the CBI’s chargesheet may finally give long-delayed justice a stronger foundation. But it also signals a deep structural challenge—where political power, law enforcement, and electoral rivalry intersect in dangerous ways.
The Kankurgachhi murder was not just a crime of passion or vengeance; it was a symptom of a political ecosystem where fear and loyalty often outweigh law and humanity. As the legal process unfolds, Kolkata watches closely—not only for accountability, but for reassurance that democracy in Bengal still has room for justice.
Also read: Home | Channel 6 Network – Latest News, Breaking Updates: Politics, Business, Tech & More
