8 charred bodies found in Bengal after TMC panchayat leader’s murder

Hours after a Trinamool Congress panchayat leader was allegedly murdered, eight charred bodies were recovered from burnt houses in West Bengal’s Rampurhat, Birbhum district, on Tuesday, March 22. According to police, seven bodies were found in one house while one injured person died in a hospital.

Following the incident, the inspector-in-charge and sub-divisional police officer (SDPO) of Rampurhat have been suspended. So far, 11 persons have been arrested, according to police. The state government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) to probe the incident. Additional Director General of Police (CID), Gyanwant Singh will head the investigation team.

Crude bombs hurled

On Monday evening, four men came on motorcycles and allegedly hurled crude bombs at TMC’s Bhadu Sheikh, the deputy pradhan of Barishal Gram Panchayat under Rampurhat Block 1. The 38-year-old was taken to Rampurhat government hospital where he was declared brought dead. A few hours later, bombs were hurled and houses were set on fire, according to multiple reports.

In Kolkata, DGP Manoj Malvia said, “Three injured people were rescued last night after seven to eight houses were gutted in the fire. One of them died today. Also, when the fire was brought to control, a team of police officials found seven charred bodies. All the seven bodies were recovered from one house. Total, eight have died in the incident.”

“Whether the fire was caused in retaliation of the local deputy gram pradhan’s death or it was due to some other reason is being probed. Eleven people have so far been arrested in the cases. An FIR under murder section was already filed and another one related to fire will be filed soon,” he added.

Governor seeks update

In a video message on Twitter, West Bengal Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar said he has sought an urgent update from the chief secretary about the incident.

“Horrifying violence and arson orgy #Rampurhat #Birbhum indicates state is in grip of violence culture and lawlessness. Already eight lives lost. Have sought urgent update on the incident from Chief Secretary. My thoughts are with the families of the bereaved (sic),” he wrote along with the video.

Horrifying violence and arson orgy #Rampurhat #Birbhum indicates state is in grip of violence culture and lawlessness. Already eight lives lost.

Have sought urgent update on the incident from Chief Secretary.

My thoughts are with the families of the bereaved. pic.twitter.com/vtI6tRJcBX

— Governor West Bengal Jagdeep Dhankhar (@jdhankhar1) March 22, 2022

The Leader of the Opposition in the West Bengal Legislative Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari tweeted, “Law & order in a rapid freefall in WB. Tension & terror has gripped Rampurhat area of Birbhum district, after a panchayat upoprodhan (deputy chief); Bhadu Sheik was reportedly killed last evening in a bomb attack. Angry mob ransacked and set afire several houses afterwards.”

He claimed that at least 12 people had died and sought central government’s intervention immediately. “The nightlong barbarity has lead to the death of at least 12 people till now; mostly women. Charred bodies are being recovered as of now. Administrative cover-up has already begun with attempts being made to lower the body count. IMMEDIATE CENTRAL INTERVENTION REQUIRED (sic),” Adhikari added.

The nightlong barbarity has lead to the death of at least 12 people till now; mostly women. Charred bodies are being recovered as of now.
Administrative cover-up has already begun with attempts being made to lower the body count.

IMMEDIATE CENTRAL INTERVENTION REQUIRED 🙏

— Suvendu Adhikari • শুভেন্দু অধিকারী (@SuvenduWB) March 22, 2022

In the state Assembly, BJP legislators staged a walkout demanding a statement on the floor of the House from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on the incident.

The ruling TMC said the incident was not linked with politics and termed it “local conflict”.

“The deaths due to the fire incident in Rampurhat are unfortunate. But it has got nothing to do with politics. It is a local conflict. Yesterday, TMC’s deputy gram pradhan was killed. He was popular. People were angry. The fire incident took place a few hours after the incident at night. The police and fire officials are taking action,” said TMC’s spokesperson Kunal Ghosh.