The Association for Protection of Civil Rights (APCR), West Bengal, has released a fact-finding report on the alleged murder of 71-year-old Sk. Shahaalam in Kelepara village under Pursurah police station in Hooghly district.
According to the report, a three-member APCR team visited the village on June 23, 2026, to investigate the incident, allegedly taking place on June 15, 2026. The team said it interacted with the victim’s family, local residents, witnesses, and police officials, and also examined the spot and available records.
“Group assault with sticks, bricks and stones,” alleges family
The report states that family members alleged that a group of unknown persons forcibly took Shahaalam out of his home and attacked him with bamboo sticks, wooden objects, bricks, and stones.
The victim was later taken to Arambagh Prafulla Chandra Sen Government Medical College and Hospital, where he was declared dead, the report said.
A family member reportedly told the team, “Some people came to our house and dragged him outside. They beat him brutally with sticks and stones. We could not save him.”
The victim was a daily-wage worker and the sole earning member of his family, the report noted.
Allegations of threats and post-election tension
The family has alleged that they were receiving threats and extortion demands after the Assembly elections. According to the report, they were allegedly asked to pay ₹50,000 and were repeatedly warned of consequences when they refused.
The report also claims that villagers were living under fear following multiple incidents of violence in the area in recent weeks.
Earlier incidents in the village flagged
The fact-finding team also recorded allegations of earlier violent incidents in the same village.
It cited claims that on June 3, 2026, a government school teacher, Altaf Mullick (41), was allegedly attacked and suffered a fracture in his leg. On the same day, another resident, Sk. Abdul Rahim (56), was also allegedly assaulted and sustained similar injuries.
Residents told the team that these incidents had created “fear and insecurity” in the locality.
Police action and investigation underway
The report states that an FIR (No. 175/2026) has been registered at Pursurah Police Station and six accused persons have already been arrested. Police custody has been secured, while efforts are underway to trace remaining accused.
Officials also described the case as linked to political violence, according to the report.
“Witnesses afraid to speak,” says APCR
One of the key concerns highlighted in the report is that several villagers were hesitant to speak openly due to fear of retaliation.
The fact-finding team observed, “Witnesses are reluctant to share details due to fear. The environment in the village reflects insecurity and tension.”
Family facing financial crisis
The report underlined the severe economic impact on the victim’s family. It said Shahaalam was the primary breadwinner, and his death has left the household in financial distress.
His elder son is reportedly bedridden due to a road accident, while the younger son earns a limited income as a labourer.
APCR recommendations
The fact-finding report has urged authorities to ensure a fair and time-bound investigation, arrest all remaining accused, and file a charge sheet without delay.
It also recommended witness protection, compensation for the family under victim compensation schemes, rehabilitation support, and educational assistance for minor children.
The organisation further called for senior police monitoring of the case and regular supervision of law-and-order conditions in the village.
