Bengal LoP: Withdrawal of Security for Slain Malda Councillor Ordered by Cabinet Member
Click to start listening
Kolkata, Jan 10 (NationPress) The Leader of Opposition (LoP) in the West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, alleged on Friday that the police-provided security for the deceased Trinamool Congress councillor from Malda, Dulal Sarkar, also referred to as Babla, was terminated following a phone call to Malda Superintendent of Police (SP) Pradeep Kumar Yadav from a significant member of the state Cabinet.
“It has become evident that the murder was a result of an internal conflict within the Trinamool Congress. I assert with full accountability that the security previously granted to Sarkar was withdrawn due to the directives of a powerful and influential member of the state Cabinet,” he mentioned.
“The conditions in West Bengal are extremely concerning; anyone could fall victim at any moment,” the LoP expressed to reporters.
According to political analysts, Adhikari’s claims appear to align with the Chief Minister’s assertions, which placed the blame on district police for their inability to avert Sarkar's murder.
After the news of Sarkar's assassination broke on the afternoon of January 2, she remarked that the incident occurred due to the negligence of the district SP.
“Previously, Babla had security coverage which was subsequently removed. Clearly, there are shortcomings within the police. Babla was with me from the outset,” the Chief Minister stated on the day of the incident.
The narrative of internal discord within the Trinamool Congress as a motive for Sarkar's assassination was further supported by the arrest of a significant party figure from the district, Narendra Nath Tiwari.
Tiwari held the position of Malda town president for the Trinamool Congress and was also the district president of the Hindi cell of the ruling party.
Sarkar was assaulted on the morning of January 2 while positioned at a bustling intersection.
Three assailants, donning helmets and arriving on a motorcycle, attacked him, with one opening fire.
The first two shots missed their target, but the third hit Sarkar in the head. He was swiftly transported to Malda Medical College and Hospital, where he succumbed to his injuries.
