Trinamool Congress Worker Killed in Violent Dispute Resolution Meeting in West Bengal's Malda District

Police have arrested seven individuals in connection with the violent incident.

A Trinamool Congress worker was fatally attacked and five others sustained injuries when a 'salishi sabha', an unofficial dispute resolution meeting, erupted into violence in West Bengal's Malda district on Thursday, according to police reports.

The tragic event occurred in Rajnagar within the Kaliachak police station jurisdiction during a meeting intended to resolve a conflict regarding tractor access across agricultural land.

Authorities identified the deceased as 45-year-old Ekramul Sheikh.

Tension had been escalating between Ekramul and TMC booth president Samsul Sheikh for some time. Although both parties had previously sought police intervention, family members claim no formal complaints were registered.

Police stated that on Tuesday, standing maize crops were damaged when a tractor traversed farmland.

A local TMC leader organized a conflict resolution meeting at Rajnagar Model Madrasa. During the proceedings, Samsul was allegedly humiliated by being instructed to perform sit-ups while holding his ears.

Infuriated by this public embarrassment, Samsul reportedly produced a sharp weapon and attacked Ekramul, according to police.

Ekramul suffered multiple wounds, and several bystanders were also injured during the assault. He was immediately transported to Malda Medical College and Hospital, where medical professionals pronounced him dead.

Superintendent of Police Pradeep Kumar Yadav confirmed that substantial police forces were promptly deployed to the location.

BJP district general secretary Biswajit Roy criticized the incident as evidence of "collapsed policing" in the state.

"Since the TMC assumed power, effective police administration has disappeared. Law enforcement officers are preoccupied with protecting TMC offices, forcing citizens to resort to these kangaroo courts. We strongly condemn this incident," he stated.

TMC district general secretary Biswajit Ghosh contended that the violence stemmed from a "family dispute."

"The BJP consistently attempts to implicate the TMC in any incident. This is unacceptable. Law enforcement will take appropriate action," he asserted.