A TMC worker died Saturday after he was allegedly assaulted over a land dispute in Baruipur area of South 24 Parganas, police said. So far, 12 persons have been arrested in connection with the killing, they added. The victim, Saidul Ali Sheikh (36), was a driver by profession. Police said he was often seen participating in TMC events. The incident occurred in Balban area of Madarat panchayat in Baruipur. “A few people took Sheikh to a field on Saturday night and stabbed him multiple times. He was rescued and taken to hospital with serious injuries. He later succumbed to the injuries,” a source said. Following his death, Sheikh's family filed a complaint naming 24 persons. Of them, 12 have been arrested, a police official said. Superintendent of Police (Baruipur) Palashchandra Dhali said, “Sheikh was killed due to a land dispute. His family lodged a complaint with the police.” Meanwhile, the ruling TMC claimed that Sheikh was “murdered by some local goons”, who were supported by both the BJP and CPI (M). “He was a very active leader. The CPI(M) is active in this area and the BJP also supports them. There was a conflict between the groups over establishing control on a piece of land. People here are very angry over the incident and want stern action against those involved,” said Trinamool Baruipur Paschim MLA Biman Banerjee. Leader of Opposition in state Assembly Suvendu Adhikari hit out at West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee in a veiled attack. Without naming anyone, he said the TMC chief was “concerned only about her bhaipo (nephew)”. The chief minister's nephew Abhishek Banerjee is the TMC national general secretary and the MP from Diamond Harbour. He said, “Mamata Banerjee and her party have not been able to protect their own supporters. Look what happened in Baruipur. Mamata Banerjee is only concerned about her bhaipo (referring to Abhishek Banerjee).”
