Body of TMC leader found floating in pond

Kolkata: Mystery shrouds the death of a Trinamool Congress leader whose body was found floating in a pond in South 24-Parganas' Bhangar area.

The victim has been identified as Shibu Debnath (65). The incident sparked tension after locals spotted the body floating in a pond at around 7 am.

Police reached the spot after being informed and recovered the body. The locals staged a protest demonstration in front of police personnel demanding arrest of those who are involved in the incident.

It was learnt that the victim, a local Trinamool Congress leader had been instrumental in strengthening party's organisation in the district. The district Trinamool Congress leaders have alleged that BJP backed miscreants might be involved behind the incident.

Some of the local Trinamool Congress leaders told police that a few days ago the victim was involved in a quarrel with some local BJP leaders. It might have led to his death, the district Trinamool Congress leaders claimed. The district BJP leaders, however, denied the allegation and termed it a result of intra-party clash within TMC.

Police said the victim had been missing since Saturday evening. His family members conducted a search in the nearby areas during the night but failed to trace the victim. The family members told police that Debnath received a phone call on Saturday morning and left the house. He returned home in the afternoon. After having some food, the victim again went out but did not return. Police recovered the body and sent it for an autopsy, which would throw some light on the nature of his death.

According to police, there were some injuries on his body, suggesting the victim might have been murdered. Police are looking into all possible angles into his death.

Meanwhile, North Dinajpur police have arrested one Sukumar Das for his alleged involvement in the murder of two Trinamool Congress leaders — Bikash Majumdar and Madhu Majumdar.

They were shot dead by some unidentified miscreants on last Friday night when they were returning home on a motorcycle. The miscreants shot them from the close quarter and fled the spot before locals could reach.

Police are interrogating Das to know the names of other accused.