Who Were Sentenced to Life Imprisonment in the Murder of Trinamool Councillor Anupam Dutta?
Synopsis
Key Takeaways
- Three individuals sentenced to life imprisonment for the murder of a political figure.
- Victim's family expresses relief but calls for further justice.
- Political violence remains a significant issue in West Bengal.
- Legal proceedings may continue as the family seeks further accountability.
- Importance of justice in political cases highlighted by this verdict.
Kolkata, Dec 17 (NationPress) A court in Barrackpore, West Bengal, has sentenced Sanjib, also known as Bapi Pandit, along with Amit Pandit and Ziarul Mandal, to life imprisonment for the murder of Anupam Dutta, a councillor from the Trinamool Congress representing Panihati. Each has also been ordered to pay a fine of Rs 1 lakh.
Earlier this week, the court found the three men guilty of the crime.
The family of the victim expressed their relief regarding the judgment.
Meenakshi Dutta, Anupam Dutta's wife and fellow councillor, expressed her gratitude towards Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee for her assistance during this difficult time.
She took over her husband's position as the councillor for Ward No. 8 in Panihati following his tragic death.
Meenakshi Dutta stated: "My husband will not return. Only we understand the pain of his absence. My mother-in-law suffered serious health issues after her son's passing and was in a coma for three years. Today, justice has been served. I hold the court in high regard."
She added: "While we had sought the death penalty, the court has opted for life imprisonment instead. We believe no one is above the law, but should this case be appealed to the Calcutta High Court, our fight for justice will continue there as well."
Conversely, the three convicted individuals, as they were led away under police escort, asserted that they had been wrongfully accused.
It is important to note that on March 13, 2022, Anupam Dutta was shot while mounting his scooter on Agarpara Station Road, located near his residence in the North 24 Parganas district. The attack was executed from close range by an unidentified assailant.
The former councillor of Ward No. 8 tragically died at the scene.
That same evening, police apprehended one of the suspects, Amit Pandit. Subsequently, Bapi Pandit and Ziarul Mandal were also taken into custody, although Bapi Pandit was later released on bail.
Investigators from the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate uncovered that Bapi Pandit was allegedly responsible for contracting the murder, with initial plans involving another criminal who failed to execute the assassination. Following the municipal elections, Amit Pandit was purportedly hired to carry out the job.