Bankura Police Inspector Jayanta Pal, attached to the District Intelligence Branch (DIB), died on Friday evening, 31 October 2025, after his body was found crushed on the railway tracks near Kethardanga, close to Bankura city in West Bengal. His body was struck by the Aranyak Express, and investigators say several unanswered questions are clouding the circumstances of his death.

How the Incident Unfolded

Pal had returned to the Bankura police station on Friday after a prolonged 40-day medical leave — having rejoined his post for the first time since taking leave just three or four days into his transfer there 45 days ago. Later that evening, his body was recovered from the tracks near the Kethardanga railway gate, approximately 50 metres from the gate itself.

The site is notable: the Railways had sealed the level crossing a year ago and constructed a subway as an alternative route. Unauthorised crossings at the gate attract heavy fines from railway police. Why Pal bypassed the subway — and why his body was found 50 metres down the tracks from the gate — has become a central focus of investigators.

Eyewitness Account Points to Suicide

An eyewitness, Sudam Sheet, told investigators he was present at the scene when the train approached. Sheet said: 'On Friday afternoon, I was going from the station intersection towards Kethardanga for a special work. Since I was in a hurry, I did not use the subway and crossed the railway line. At that time, the Aranyak Express was approaching Bankura station. Suddenly, I saw a man staggering and jumping in front of the moving train. At that time, I did not realise that the man was a police officer. The incident was not an accident in any way. I am sure that he committed suicide.'

The autopsy was completed at Bankura Sammilani Medical College on Saturday afternoon, though the initial report had not been officially released as of Saturday evening.

Family Disputes Suicide Theory

Pal is survived by an 80-year-old father, his wife, and a son. His family remains reluctant to accept the suicide narrative. His son-in-law, Rajiv Mukherjee, said: 'At least I do not think it was suicide. We were both associated with the local club. If there was any such problem, he would have told us. Of course, only his wife can tell whether he was suffering from mental depression or not.'

Pal's sister-in-law and son-in-law travelled to Bankura after learning of the incident.

A Troubled Past: The 2025 Howrah Incident

This is not the first time Pal had been embroiled in controversy. On 20 February 2025, while posted as Inspector In-Charge at Chanditala police station in Hooghly district, Pal reportedly shot himself near a petrol pump in Ghoshpara, Howrah — surviving the self-inflicted injury. A woman was reportedly present with him at the time, and questions arose about why he was in another district without the apparent authorisation of his superiors. He was subsequently suspended for a few days following that incident.

Investigators are now examining Pal's phone records and speaking with both family members and police colleagues to piece together his mental state in the days leading up to his death. The autopsy report is expected to be a critical piece of evidence.

What Investigators Are Probing

Police say the key questions are: why Pal chose to cross the sealed railway line rather than use the subway; why his body was recovered 50 metres away from the gate rather than at the crossing itself; and what his psychological condition was following his return from extended sick leave. The investigation remains open, with the autopsy report and phone forensics likely to shape the next steps.