Minister meets bereaved family, assures thorough probe
Malda: Bengal minister Chandrima Bhattacharya visited the residence of Chaitali Ghosh Sarkar, the widow of murdered Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and English Bazar Municipality councillor Dulal (Babla) Sarkar. The minister expressed her condolences and assured Chaitali of a thorough investigation into the brutal killing that has shaken the political and social fabric of the district.
During her visit, Chandrima listened attentively to Chaitali’s allegations that the murder was the result of a conspiracy within the party. Chaitali believes her husband’s growing influence and his potential appointment as chairman of the municipality had made him a target. Speaking to the media after the meeting, Chandrima said: “I understand Chaitali’s anguish. I assure her and everyone that the police will conduct a fair investigation. The Chief Minister herself is deeply concerned about this incident.” Chaitali, overwhelmed by grief, expressed her resolve to meet Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee directly to demand justice. She also plans to lead a peace march in her husband’s memory. “I will inform the Chief Minister about the conspiracy against my husband. I trust her leadership to ensure the guilty are punished,” Chaitali said.
Chandrima Bhattacharya emphasised that Dulal Sarkar had always been a loyal leader who worked tirelessly for the party, even during challenging times. “I have known Dulal and Chaitali for years and I am confident the Chief Minister will provide all necessary support,” she added.
Chaitali’s allegations of internal rivalries within the party have sparked political debates. Trinamool Congress MLA Nihar Ranjan Ghosh supported the call for justice, while MP Mausam Noor highlighted the need for accountability. Krishnendu Narayan Choudhury, Chairman of EBM, said: “If such is the allegation that Sarkar has been murdered as he was going to be the chairman of EBM then she (Chaitali) is free to tell the Chief Minister. I was the first one to report the incident to the Chief Minister and have been demanding justice, from the beginning.” A three-member team of forensic experts, including Chitrakhsa Sarkar from Kolkata, visited the place of occurrence on Monday evening and collected samples. The team members refused to make any comment.
Meanwhile, days after the shocking murder of Malda councillor Babla Sarkar, the mastermind behind the crime remains at large, leaving residents of Ward 22 and neighbouring areas in a state of fear.
