Journalism of Courage
‘My brother is finally resting in peace’: Family of slain Bengal BJP worker finds closure amid party’s win
Since May 2, 2021, when his brother Abhijit was allegedly strangled and bludgeoned by a mob in Kankurgachi, Biswajit has been the face of a relentless legal and social battle.
The murder of Abhijit Sarkar remains one of the most high-profile cases investigated by CBI regarding post-poll violence in Bengal. Express Photo by Partha Paul
For Biswajit Sarkar, the silence in his neighbourhood feels different. For the first time in five years, the air of intimidation that settled over his home in Kolkata’s Kankurgachi following the 2021 post-poll violence has been replaced by a sense of hard-won liberation.
“My brother gave his life to see what the people of Bengal are witnessing today,” Biswajit told The Express, his voice thick with emotion following the West Bengal Assembly results. “I miss him terribly, but I am on cloud nine. This isn’t just a political shift; it feels like a personal victory for our family.”
Since the brutal killing of his brother, BJP activist Abhijit Sarkar, on May 2, 2021 — the day the West Bengal Assembly results were announced — Biswajit has become a symbol of resistance in Kolkata. He gained attention for organising Durga Pujas that dared to highlight anti-establishment themes, from the “cut money” culture to the rape and murder of a junior doctor in the city’s RG Kar Medical College and Hospital.
However, he said the road to “freedom” was paved with persistent harassment. Biswajit recalled the psychological warfare he endured during recent campaigns, specifically naming Trinamool Congress councillors Papiya Ghosh and Swapan Samaddar.
“Under court orders, they were barred from entering Shibtala Lane,” Biswajit explained. “Yet, they would campaign here, defying court order, intentionally raising slogans directed at my house. I had to move the court again to challenge this. I was waiting for this day—the day the tide would turn.”
Abhijit Sarkar murder case status
The murder of Abhijit Sarkar remains one of the most high-profile cases investigated by the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) regarding post-poll violence in Bengal. Abhijit was allegedly strangled and bludgeoned with a heavy object after a mob attacked his home with sticks, destroying his belongings.
As many as 20 people were named in the original First Information Report (FIR) in the 2021 Kankurgachi murder case. As the CBI-led investigation progressed, the status of the accused remains divided: 12 people have been arrested and remain in custody, while five have been released on bail.
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Despite the efforts by Central agencies, five others remain absconding.
Two years after the murder, a special court in Bankshall framed charges against all 20 accused, including murder, criminal conspiracy, and the disappearance of evidence.
A breakthrough occurred as recently as June 2025, when CBI apprehended the prime accused, Arun Dey alias Bhai, in Teghoria.
For a family that has lived under the shadow of threats from local leaders, the recent political atmosphere represents more than just a tally of votes. It represents the end of a siege.
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“This result is like freedom for many in Bengal. I think my brother is finally resting in peace,” Biswajit said, adding they are no longer looking over their shoulders.
“Next date is on May 11. After that, the hearing will be conducted every day,” he said.
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