Prime accused in Bagnan BJP worker murder arrested day after CM visits family

The killing triggered a political storm, with the BJP alleging that the attack was politically motivated.

The CID took over the investigation on June 21 following the chief minister’s instruction. A total of 51 people were named as accused in the FIR registered in the matter, of which 40 are still absconding.

Saifuddin will be produced before a district court in Howrah later in the day, and the public prosecutor will seek his CID custody.

On Saturday, the chief minister had announced financial assistance of Rs 5 lakh for Prasanta Dey’s family, over and above the Rs 4 lakh already provided by the district administration, and a contractual government job for the elder daughter of the victim in the BDO office. Adhikari also directed the district magistrate to immediately sanction old-age pension for Dey’s elderly parents.

After the meeting with the chief minister, Dey’s son told mediapersons that the family had demanded capital punishment for those responsible for his father’s murder.

“Our family urged the chief minister to ensure that the accused are hanged. He assured us that the police are investigating the case and those involved will be brought to justice,” he said.

Adhikari had promised the family that the government follows a ‘zero tolerance’ policy against political violence, while assuring strict action against the perpetrators.