In first arrests in Birbhum killings, CBI nabs four from Mumbai

CBI sleuths have nabbed four West Bengal residents from Mumbai for their alleged involvement in the Birbhum killings — the first arrests made by the agency since it took over the probe into the March 21 killings in Bogtui village as per the Calcutta High Court’s order.

“The four accused had direct involvement in the killings and had fled from Bogtui to Mumbai on March 22. They were apprehended from their hideout early on Thursday morning after their mobile tower location was tracked. Of the four arrested accused, two persons — identified as Bappa and Shabu Sheikh — were named in an FIR lodged in connection with the killings. The other two were identified as Taj Mohammad and Serajul,” an officer told PTI.

Also Read: Bloodshed in Birbhum – Is there a tacit social sanction for violence?

The four accused were produced before a court in Mumbai, which granted their transit remand till April 10.

Nine people were burnt to death after assailants threw petrol bombs at several houses in the village hours following the murder of local TMC leader Bhadu Sheikh.

A Special Investigation Team constituted by the state government was earlier probing the case.

The CBI had registered a case against 22 people on March 25 in connection with the incident.

(With PTI inputs)