BJP worker hacked and shot dead in Malda, West Bengal; one detained
Synopsis
A BJP worker was hacked and shot dead inside his home in Malda’s Ramkeli area on Vijaya Dashami night, allegedly while neighbours were busy with idol immersion. His family has accused TMC-linked miscreants of a planned murder; one person is detained. The killing is the latest flash point in West Bengal’s long-running cycle of political violence.
Key Takeaways
Samir Ghosh , a BJP worker, was hacked and shot dead in the Ramkeli area of English Bazar police station , Malda district , on Wednesday night .
A state police officer confirmed Ghosh was first attacked with sharp weapons and then shot at close range to ensure his death.
The incident reportedly took place on Vijaya Dashami while locals were occupied with idol immersion.
Ghosh’s family has alleged that miscreants linked to Trinamool Congress (TMC) carried out the planned killing due to his BJP association.
TMC’s local leadership has denied the allegations; police have detained one person and are investigating the motive.
Acute tension has been reported in the area, and the probe is ongoing.
A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker was brutally attacked with sharp weapons and then shot dead in Malda district, West Bengal, on Wednesday night, police confirmed on Thursday. The deceased has been identified as Samir Ghosh, and one person has been detained in connection with the killing.
How the Attack Unfolded
According to a state police officer, the assault took place in the Ramkeli area under the jurisdiction of English Bazar police station in Malda district, reportedly during the Vijaya Dashami celebrations while people in the locality were occupied with idol immersion.
“As per information available so far, a group of assassins first hacked Ghosh brutally. Thereafter, to ensure his death, he was shot from close range, which led to his death on the spot,” the police officer said.
Ghosh's brother alleged that he was alone at home when the assailants entered the house and carried out the attack. High-ranking district police officials reached the spot the same night.
Family's Allegations Against Trinamool Congress
Members of Samir Ghosh's family have alleged that local miscreants with links to the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) were responsible for the killing, claiming the murder was orchestrated because of Ghosh's association with the BJP.
His brother stated that Ghosh had been receiving threats for an extended period due to his political affiliation and was pressured to leave the locality. “He did not leave the house out of fear,” the brother said, adding that the murder had allegedly been planned well in advance and that all the accused had links with the Trinamool Congress.
The local TMC leadership, however, has categorically denied the allegations. The motive behind the killing and the identities of all those involved are currently under investigation, according to police.
Police Response and Ongoing Investigation
Authorities have detained one person for questioning. The reason for the murder is yet to be officially established, and the probe is ongoing. Acute tension has been reported in the area following the incident.
This is not an isolated incident in a state where political violence has remained a persistent concern. West Bengal has repeatedly witnessed clashes between BJP and TMC workers, particularly in districts such as Malda, Murshidabad, and North 24 Parganas. The killing comes on the occasion of Vijaya Dashami, a major Hindu festival, adding to the sensitivity around the episode.
Political Fallout
The incident is likely to intensify the political blame game between the BJP and the ruling TMC in West Bengal. BJP leaders are expected to raise the issue at the state and national level, demanding a Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) probe — a pattern seen in earlier alleged political killings in the state. The situation on the ground remains tense, and further developments are awaited as the investigation progresses.
Point of View
Rival accusations fly, and the investigation moves slowly while the state government and the opposition trade charges. What distinguishes this incident is the brazenness — assailants allegedly entering a home during a major festival, in the middle of a densely populated neighbourhood. The Bengal government’s credibility on law and order is increasingly under scrutiny, and each such episode renews calls for Central oversight of the state police. That the family’s allegations have been flatly denied without any independent corroboration so far underlines a structural accountability gap that no single arrest can close.
NationPress
22 Oct 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the Malda political violence incident?
The deceased has been identified as Samir Ghosh , a worker of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) . He was killed in the Ramkeli area under English Bazar police station in Malda district, West Bengal, on Wednesday night.
How was Samir Ghosh killed?
According to police, Ghosh was first attacked with sharp weapons and then shot at close range to ensure his death. His family alleged the attackers entered his home while he was alone, taking advantage of the Vijaya Dashami celebrations nearby.
Who has been accused of the killing?
Ghosh’s family has alleged that local miscreants with links to the All India Trinamool Congress (TMC) were responsible, claiming the murder was motivated by his association with the BJP. The TMC’s local leadership has denied the allegations.
What action has the police taken so far?
Police have detained one person for questioning. Senior district police officials reached the scene on Wednesday night. The motive and the identities of all individuals involved are still under investigation.
What is the broader context of this incident?
West Bengal has a documented history of political violence between BJP and TMC workers, particularly in districts like Malda. This killing occurred on Vijaya Dashami , heightening tensions in the area. Such incidents frequently trigger demands from the BJP for a CBI probe into alleged political killings in the state.
