three individuals, including two from Bihar, were arrested late Thursday night for the murder of Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor Dulal Sarkar, who was killed on a Rs 10 lakh contract. The murder suspects, Md Sami Akhtar from Katihar (Bihar) and Tinku Ghosh from English Bazaar, were captured on CCTV footage and apprehended while traveling on a bus to Manikchak.
During interrogation, the police arrested a third suspect, Abdul Gani from Katihar, and later detained two more individuals, including Sarkar’s former aide. Firearms used in the murder were also recovered.
The accused were charged with murder, criminal conspiracy, and illegal possession of firearms. All three were presented before a Malda court on Friday and sent to police custody for 14 days.
The suspects had been tracking Sarkar for several days before the murder. Police believe the crime stemmed from a property dispute, as Sarkar had recently become involved in land dealings. The shooters were allegedly hired by a person who had a conflict with Sarkar over property worth crores.
Krishnendu Choudhury, chairperson of English Bazaar Municipality, confirmed the Rs 10 lakh contract for the murder, with six individuals involved in the gang. Kolkata mayor Firhad Hakim also spoke out, emphasizing the connection to Bihar and calling for the arrest of the mastermind behind the killing.
Sarkar’s death has shaken the local community, with hundreds, including political leaders, paying their respects. The TMC leader was a long-time ally of Mamata Banerjee and held prominent roles in Malda’s politics. Sarkar’s brutal killing has raised questions about police negligence, particularly over the withdrawal of his security in 2021 despite previous attempts on his life.