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TMC panchayat chief shot on open road in Howrah, hospitalised along with associate

Debobrata Mondal alias Babu Mondal and Anupam Rana were on a motorcycle when they were hit from ‘very close range’, police said

Howrah's TMC Gram Panchayat head, Debobrata Mondal, and an associate were shot at close range while returning home. (File)

Mondal was shot in the waist and shoulder. When Anupam tried to intervene, he was also hit before the suspect fled. (File)

The head of Howrah’s Sampuipara Basukathi gram panchayat and Trinamool Congress leader Debobrata Mondal, alias Babu Mondal, was shot on Thursday night. His associate, Anupam Rana, was also hit by a bullet.

Both were rushed to a private hospital in North Howrah in critical condition, and Mondal has since been shifted to SSKM Hospital.

The incident took place around 11 pm in the Sampuipara area under Liluah police station while the two were returning home on a motorbike, police said.

“Babu Mondal was returning home after a small party when he was hit from very close range. They both were on a bike,” said officials.

Mondal was shot in the waist and shoulder. When Anupam tried to intervene, he was also hit before the suspect fled.

Residents rushed the two to the hospital after they collapsed on the road. “They have been hospitalised. A case has been registered and all efforts are being made to arrest the accused,” said Howrah Police Commissioner Praveen Tripathy.

Several party leaders and workers, including Howrah District (Sadar) Trinamool President and MLA Goutam Chowdhury, MLA Kalyan Ghosh, and Domjur Youth Trinamool President Noorj Molla, visited the hospital.

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MLA Kalyan Ghosh said, “It is unclear why such an incident occurred. We have asked the police to arrest the culprits immediately.”

Police have launched an investigation and are searching for the assailant. The shooting has triggered panic in the area, further heightening tensions in Howrah ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

A name that has surfaced during the probe is that of Suman Choudhury, a history-sheeter previously jailed in extortion and attempted murder cases. Police sources said CCTV footage is being examined to identify and arrest the accused.

Sweety Kumari

Sweety Kumari is a seasoned journalist reporting from West Bengal for The Indian Express. With over a decade of experience in the media industry and eight years specifically with The Indian Express, she demonstrates considerable Expertise and Authority across a diverse range of critical beats. Experience & Authority Current Role: Journalist, The Indian Express, reporting from West Bengal. Extensive Tenure: Over 10 years of experience in the media industry, with a long association (8 years) with The Indian Express, contributing to a high level of Trustworthiness. Diverse Coverage: Covers crucial beats including Crime, Defence, Health, and Politics, alongside writing on trending topics. Investigative Focus: Possesses a keen eye for investigative and human-interest stories, demonstrating depth and skill in impactful journalism. Beat Versatility: Has honed her craft across diverse beats, including aviation and reporting on various incidents, ensuring well-rounded and comprehensive reportage. Career Start: Began her journalistic journey as an Entertainment and lifestyle journalist with a news portal in Kolkata, providing a foundational understanding of media landscape and audience engagement. Education Advanced Education: Holds a PG in Mass Communication from Jadavpur University, equipping her with advanced media theory and skills. Undergraduate Education: Holds an Honours degree in Journalism from Jaipuria College. Multilingual Skill: Her fluency in English, Hindi, Bengali, and Maithili enhances her reach and capability to connect with diverse sources and communities in the region, adding a layer of accessibility and authenticity to her reporting. Regional Roots: Originally from Bihar, she was brought up and educated in Kolkata (Kendriya Vidyalaya Salt Lake), giving her a deep, personal understanding of the cultural and political nuances of her reporting region. Sweety Kumari's combination of significant experience, specialization in key beats like Crime and Politics, and strong academic background makes her a trusted and authoritative contributor to The Indian Express. ... Read More

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