Sandeshkhali Key Witness Survives Deadly Attack, Accuses Jailed Trinamool Leader of Murder Plot

Bholanath Ghosh's vehicle experienced extensive damage in the collision.

Bholanath Ghosh, commonly known as Bhola Ghosh, a crucial witness in cases connected to the Sandeshkhali controversy, was en route to court on Wednesday when a truck collided with his car, resulting in the tragic deaths of his younger son and driver. Ghosh has subsequently accused Sheikh Shahjahan, the imprisoned former Trinamool Congress leader central to the Sandeshkhali allegations, of orchestrating the attack from prison.

Ghosh is identified as one of the principal witnesses regarding the assault on Enforcement Directorate officials in Sandeshkhali during January 2024, as well as associated CBI investigations implicating Shahjahan.

On Wednesday, Ghosh was traveling to Basirhat court to testify in relation to one of numerous cases filed against Trinamool leader Sheikh Shahjahan. It's worth noting that Ghosh maintained close relations with Shahjahan until 2020.

While passing through Boyarbari, a speeding truck struck Ghosh's car head-on, dragged it along the roadway, and pushed it into an adjacent water body before stopping at the edge. The truck driver immediately fled from the scene.

Ghosh sustained serious injuries and was initially transported to a nearby medical facility before being transferred to a private hospital in Kolkata for advanced treatment. His younger son, Satyajit Ghosh (32), and the driver, Sahanur Molla (27), were killed instantly. Their remains were transported to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata for autopsy.

Ghosh has filed a formal complaint against eight individuals, including truck driver Alim Molla and Nazrul Molla, who allegedly assisted the driver in fleeing the accident location.

In an exclusive interview with NDTV, Ghosh alleged that Alim Molla is a close associate of Sheikh Shahjahan. He further claimed that Shahjahan "orchestrated the murder" attempt against him and his son from within prison.

"The incident occurred Wednesday morning around 9:20. My son and I were heading to court, driving at moderate speed. The truck approaching from the opposite direction deliberately swerved and crashed into our vehicle," Ghosh recounted.

Ghosh later discovered that individuals had been following his car on motorcycles "since leaving home."

"I recognized Alim Molla driving the truck during the collision. He was wearing a black sweater," Ghosh added.

The key witness also revealed having received death threats from Shahjahan's associates seven days prior to the incident.

Authorities continue to investigate the matter thoroughly.