Charred bodies: 21 held in Birbhum, most TMC supporters or workers

Police also arrested one person in connection with the murder of TMC Deputy Pradhan Bhadu Sheikh whose death set off the retaliatory killing in which eight were killed.

Rampurhat killings, Rampurhat violence, Birbhum killings, Birbhum violence, West Bengal violence, Calcutta HC, CFSL, 8 dead in Birbhum violence, Birbhum violence deaths, Indian Express

Forensic experts arrive in Birbhum's Bogtui village on Friday to collect samples. Partha Paul

UNDER the glare of the Calcutta High Court which ordered a CBI probe Friday, the West Bengal police arrested 21 individuals in 72 hours in connection with the recovery of eight charred bodies in Bagtui village. This marks one of the largest number of arrests of TMC supporters and workers since it came to power in 2011.

Police also arrested one person in connection with the murder of TMC Deputy Pradhan Bhadu Sheikh whose death set off the retaliatory killing in which eight were killed.

Of those arrested in the charred bodies case are six family members of Bhadu Sheikh and one is TMC Rampurhat Block president Anarul Hussain. Three are building-materials suppliers and are said to be members of Bhadu’s syndicate. All the rest are also TMC supporters.

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Among Bhadu’s relatives arrested by police are Tausif (19) and Ramzan (18), the two sons of Babur (Bhadu’s elder brother who was murdered in January 2021). Bhadu’s father-in-law Jalal Dewan (56) and brother-in-law Nayan Dewan (31) were also arrested.

However, Bhadu’s mother-in-law Kairon Bibi denied the allegations: “My son-in-law got murdered and police have picked up my family members. We have been told not to talk with reporters. You people are on the side of those (killed in retaliation).” Two armed policemen have been posted at her house.

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Taliba Bibi, wife of Bhadu Sheikh, says she has faith in Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. “Didi may have some issues for which she could not meet me Thursday but I know she will do justice.” Banerjee had met with family members of those charred to death but avoided meeting with Bhadu Sheikh’s family when she visited Bagtui. Not many in the Opposition are buying the police version, they claim the small fry has been picked up and will, most likely, get bail while the big fish will get away.

“The police has balanced two factions of TMC and made arrests. The real culprits, big TMC leaders have been spared. We hope the CBI does its job, if it fails to arrest the main culprits, it will send a wrong message to the people,” said Gautam Ghosh, Birbhum district secretary of CPM.

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Also Read | Birbhum violence: Mamata meets victims’ families, TMC block chief held following her orders

“TMC has dictated the investigation and only then arrests have been made,” said BJP Birbhum chief Subhashis Chowdhury. “The police only arrested the block president of TMC after the CM’s order. We hope the CBI arrests the TMC leaders who planned and allowed this to happen.”

“I am with TMC since its inception. I have surrendered after Didi (Mamata Banerjee) directed me to do so,” said block president Anarul while being produced to court in Rampurhat which remanded him to 14 days in police custody. Anarul is one of the prominent TMC leaders in the area. Family members of those charred to death alleged to the chief minister that he was the mastermind of the carnage.

Among the arrested are Mortez Ali (33) and Nazrul Islam (22), building material suppliers and close aides of Bhadu. Mortez’s two-storied house in Bagtui village was locked Friday with piles of sand and stone heaped outside. Said a neighbour: “After Mortez was arrested, his wife and two children locked the house and have gone away.”

Police also arrested Amjad Khan (34) and his brother Nasir Khan (23). Amjad is a building materials supplier and Nasir a truck-driver. TMC workers Rana Sheikh (18), Mofijul Sheikh (32), Asim Sheikh (20) and Imtaj Sheikh (23) had gone to the hospital to pick up Bhadu’s body a day after he was murdered. Their relatives claim police arrested them at the hospital.

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The only one person arrested in connection to Bhadu’s murder is Haneef Sheikh (40), a resident of Bhartolla crossing. His family members declined to comment.

All those arrested in connection with the recovery of charred bodies have been booked for murder, rioting, mischief by fire or explosives and causing grievous hurt.

Ravik Bhattacharya

Ravik Bhattacharya is a highly experienced and award-winning journalist currently serving as the Chief of Bureau of The Indian Express, Kolkata. With over 20 years of experience in the media industry, Ravik possesses deep expertise across a wide range of critical subjects and geographical areas. Experience & Authority Current Role: Chief of Bureau, The Indian Express, Kolkata. Expertise: Extensive reporting across West Bengal, Odisha, Assam, and the Andaman Nicobar Islands. Ravik specializes in politics, crime, major incidents and issues, and investigative stories, demonstrating a robust command of complex and sensitive subjects. Experience: His long and distinguished career includes key reporting roles at several prestigious publications, including The Asian Age, The Statesman, The Telegraph, and The Hindustan Times. Ravik's current role marks his second stint with The Indian Express, having previously served as a Principal Correspondent in the Kolkata bureau from 2005 to 2010. Major Award: Ravik's authority and quality of work are substantiated by his winning of the prestigious Ramnath Goenka Excellence in Journalism Award in 2007 for Political Reporting. Education: His strong academic foundation includes a Bachelor's degree with English Honours from Scottish Church College under Calcutta University, and a PG Diploma in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University. Ravik Bhattacharya's extensive tenure, specialized beat coverage, and notable award confirm his status as a trusted and authoritative voice in Indian journalism, particularly for stories emanating from Eastern India. ... Read More

Atri Mitra

Atri Mitra is a highly accomplished Special Correspondent for The Indian Express, bringing over 20 years of experience to his reporting. His work is characterized by deep regional knowledge and a focus on critical administrative and political developments, establishing strong Expertise and Authority in his domain. Experience Current Role: Special Correspondent, The Indian Express. Decades of Experience: Over two decades of extensive reporting experience, primarily covering administration and political news. Geographical Focus: Holds significant reporting experience from West Bengal, Bihar, and the North-East, providing a comprehensive understanding of the socio-political landscape in these regions. Key Coverage: Has dedicated more than ten years to covering administration and political news, with a keen focus on political developments in West Bengal. Electoral Reporting: Demonstrated a commitment to crucial political moments, having covered the 2009 Lok Sabha election and 2010 assembly elections during his time at Anandabazar Patrika, and the 2019 Bihar Lok Sabha election while working with News18-Bangla. Career Foundation: Began his career at the leading vernacular daily Anandabazar Patrika, where he worked for more than fifteen years, including a three-year stint as the Bihar correspondent. Education Advanced Degree: Holds a Master's degree in Economics from Rabindrabharati University, providing an analytical framework for his political and administrative reporting. Undergraduate Education: Holds a Bachelor's degree from Calcutta University. Prestigious Alumni: His educational background includes attending esteemed institutions: he is an alumnus of St. Xavier's, Kolkata and Ramakrishna Mission Asrama, Narendrapur. Atri Mitra's decades of dedicated reporting, substantial focus on political and administrative beats, and solid academic credentials make him a trusted and authoritative source for news and analysis from Eastern and North-Eastern India. ... Read More

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