Who Were Convicted in the Murder of Trinamool Councillor Anupam Dutta?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
Kolkata, December 15 (NationPress) A district court in West Bengal has convicted three individuals in the case concerning the murder of the Trinamool Congress councillor Anupam Dutta from the Panihati municipality. The Barrackpore court declared Sanjib alias Bapi Pandit, Amit Pandit, and Ziarul Mandal guilty of the councillor's murder.
The court's ruling on the sentence is set for December 17, according to sources.
This verdict pertains to the tragic death of Anupam Dutta, who represented Ward No. 8 of Panihati Municipality in the North 24 Parganas district. He was shot on March 13, 2022, as he was about to mount his scooter on Agarpara Station Road, near his home. The attack occurred at close range, resulting in his immediate death.
In the aftermath of the murder, law enforcement acted promptly, apprehending Amit Pandit on the night of the incident. Following this, Sanjib alias Bapi Pandit and Ziarul Mandal were also arrested. However, Bapi Pandit was later released on bail.
During the hearing on Monday, Bapi Pandit was present at the Barrackpore court where the judge found him guilty along with the other two defendants. He was subsequently taken into custody once more on the court premises.
According to information from the investigation, detectives from the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate have indicated that Bapi Pandit allegedly contracted the murder of Anupam Dutta.
Further inquiry revealed that an initial assassin was supposed to carry out the crime but failed, leading to Amit Pandit being allegedly hired to execute the murder after the municipal elections.
The earlier release of Bapi Pandit on bail by the Calcutta High Court sparked controversy and unrest in the region, with accusations of police negligence in handling the case. The recent conviction of all three defendants, including Bapi Pandit, marks a pivotal moment in the trial.
As he was led out of the courthouse following the verdict, Bapi Pandit asserted that he had been wrongfully accused, claiming, "I have been politically framed. Key leaders are implicated in this case," he told reporters.
Anupam Dutta's wife, Meenakshi Dutta, was present to hear the verdict in her husband's murder case. Voicing her contentment with the court's decision, she expressed hopes for severe punishment for the offenders.
"I am pleased with this verdict. I anticipate that the guilty will face appropriate consequences. I extend my gratitude to everyone involved in the investigation," she shared with members of the press at the courthouse.
The sentencing is scheduled for December 17.