The Bengal STF made two crucial arrests in the double murder case of Harogabindo Das (70) and his son Chandan Das (40), who were killed in Jafrabad on April 12. The arrests of Ajfarul Sheikh and Monirul Sheikh bring the total number of arrests to seven, according to sources in the SIT investigating the violence in Murshidabad following protests against amendments to the waqf act.
Ajfarul Sheikh was apprehended by an STF team from his hideout in Saraikela Kharsawan, near Jamshedpur. Authorities allege that Ajfarul played a pivotal role in the brutal attack, using a chopper to inflict at least eight wounds on both Harogabindo and Chandan. Ajfarul was also seen leading the mob in Bethbona village on April 12, a key part of the violence.
Monirul Sheikh, arrested in Rampurhat, Birbhum, had been on the run since the murders. Along with Ziaul Sheikh, Monirul was reportedly seen leading the mob into the Das residence. Cops further revealed that Monirul was captured on CCTV footage committing arson and damaging property across multiple villages.
Sources state that Ajfarul’s interrogation is expected to provide vital evidence, as he has been named by others already in custody. The SIT is working closely with STF units to consolidate this evidence for a timely charge sheet.
The SIT’s investigation has spanned several locations, including seven spots across five districts in Bengal, as well as Bandhabahal and Jharsuguda in Odisha and Jamshedpur in Jharkhand. The authorities also arrested Ziaul Sheikh from Chopra in North Dinajpur, a breakthrough that helped identify other conspirators. The SIT continues its efforts to apprehend at least four suspects still at large.
