Fatal Clash Between Trinamool Congress Factions at Unofficial Court Meeting in West Bengal's Malda

A violent confrontation broke out between two Trinamool Congress factions in West Bengal's Malda during an unauthorized kangaroo court proceeding organized by the local panchayat on Thursday, resulting in the deaths of two party members.

The violence erupted when tensions escalated during an arbitration session regarding a dispute that originated when a vehicle was driven across agricultural property in the district. This unofficial meeting was convened after 45-year-old Ekramul Sheikh, one of the fatal victims in the clash, had approached law enforcement about his disagreement with TMC booth president Shamsul Sheikh, but authorities did not register a formal complaint.

During the kangaroo court session, Shamsul Sheikh was instructed to perform sit-ups while holding his ears as punishment. Instead, he aggressively attacked Ekramul with a sharp weapon. Others attempting to intervene also sustained injuries during the assault.

Eyewitness footage captured men running through the streets wielding weapons and sticks during the altercation.

Six party workers sustained injuries in the confrontation between the rival factions. Among the injured, Badshah Sheikh succumbed to his wounds during medical treatment.

Law enforcement personnel have been deployed to the area and an investigation is currently underway. Authorities have apprehended 13 individuals in connection with the violence.

The incident has sparked political controversy, with the BJP criticizing the breakdown of law and order in the district. Malda District BJP General Secretary Biswajit Roy stated, "Since Trinamool Congress assumed power, effective police administration has ceased to exist. The police are preoccupied with protecting their facilities. Consequently, instead of utilizing proper police stations, kangaroo courts are being assembled to resolve community disputes. We strongly condemn this incident."

Countering these accusations, Malda District Trinamool Congress General Secretary Biswajit Ghosh maintained that the incident was not related to internal party conflict. "This was merely a family disagreement with no political connections. The BJP consistently attempts to associate Trinamool Congress with any incident that occurs. This approach is inappropriate. Law enforcement will certainly take appropriate action," he asserted.