TMC worker killed, local leader injured in Kaliachak shootout

Malda: On the heels of the murder of TMC councillor Dulal Sarkar on January 2, TMC worker Ataur Sheikh (38) was killed while two others, including local TMC president Bakul Sheikh and his brother Esaruddin Sheikh, were critically injured in a broad daylight shootout on Tuesday.

The shootout took place in Salehpur area of Nawada Jadupur Gram Panchayat under the limits of Kaliachak police station. The injured were rushed to Malda Medical College and Hospital, where their condition remains critical.

The incident stemmed from a clash over ongoing factional disputes within the TMC. Allegedly led by another local TMC leader, Zakir Sheikh, who had joined TMC in October 2024, the attackers blocked the path of Bakul Sheikh and his followers while they were returning from a foundation stone-laying ceremony for a drain project.

The accused then brutally attacked Bakul Sheikh and Ataur Sheikh, leaving them grievously injured. Ataur was declared dead upon arrival at the hospital, while Esaruddin sustained serious injuries.

Police have initiated an investigation and sent the deceased’s body for post-mortem. In a briefing, the Malda Police stated that till now 10 persons have been detained in connection with the shootout while six others have been identified and search is on for them. The factional feud dates back to October 2024, when Zakir Sheikh joined the TMC, intensifying tensions over local leadership and panchayat control. The incident has sparked political blame games. BJP leader Amlan Bhaduri blamed TMC’s “internal disputes” for “deteriorating” law and order

in the district. Congress leader Kali Sadhan Roy echoed similar sentiments, condemning the “repeated violence” within the ruling party. The area remains tense, with a heavy police presence to prevent further unrest. The incident has heightened fears among locals, as Malda grapples with the growing frequency of political violence, with two murders within two weeks.