A political controversy has erupted in East Midnapore following the death of Bijanbandhu Bag, a Trinamool Congress leader and former pradhan of Southkhanda Gram Panchayat in Patashpur II, who allegedly succumbed to injuries sustained in an assault last week.
Family Alleges Assault at Home and Sawmill
According to his family, a group of people went to Bag’s residence on Thursday, September 17, and allegedly assaulted him inside the house.
The family further alleged that Bag was subsequently taken away on a motorcycle and beaten again on the way. He was then allegedly confined at a local sawmill, where the assault continued.
Bag was later rescued and initially taken to Patashpur Hospital. As his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to a private hospital in Kolkata for further treatment.
After nearly four days of treatment, he died on Sunday morning at a private hospital near EM Bypass.
Two People Detained
Following the incident, Bag’s family lodged a complaint at Patashpur police station. Police subsequently detained two people in connection with the case.
The family, however, alleged that the two individuals were later released.
They have also alleged that attempts were made to pressure them into withdrawing or diluting the complaint, allegedly involving local BJP leaders and police personnel.
The family further claimed that efforts were being made to portray the incident as the result of a financial dispute rather than a politically motivated attack. These allegations have not been independently established.
TMC Alleges Political Motive
Former Trinamool Congress MLA and party leader Akhil Giri has alleged that Bag was targeted for political reasons and accused BJP workers of involvement.
“The attack on Bijanbandhu Bag was carried out for political reasons,” Giri said.
Giri also rejected claims that Bag had been assaulted over an alleged financial dispute involving ₹10 lakh.
“Some claimed that ₹10 lakh was owed and that he was detained over money. This talk about money is entirely fabricated. This was a purely political act; the BJP played a definite role. I cannot specify exactly which individuals were involved or under whose leadership, but BJP members were involved,” he alleged.
Giri also reiterated the claim that the two people initially detained by police had subsequently been released.
BJP Denies Involvement
The BJP has denied any connection with the incident.
Somnath Roy, president of the BJP’s Kanthi organisational district, said the incident was unfortunate but maintained that the party had no involvement.
“The incident is unfortunate, but the BJP has no connection with it. Let the police investigate the matter and ensure that the actual culprits are punished,” Roy told local media.
