Why Were Eight CPI(M) Workers Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for the Murder of Trinamool Activist?

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Why Were Eight CPI(M) Workers Sentenced to Life Imprisonment for the Murder of Trinamool Activist?

Synopsis

In a landmark decision, eight CPI(M) members face life imprisonment for the murder of a Trinamool Congress activist. This case, rooted in political tensions, underscores the extreme consequences of political violence in India, raising questions about safety and justice in the region.

Key Takeaways

  • Eight CPI(M) workers sentenced to life imprisonment.
  • The murder case spanned over 15 years.
  • Khudiram Hembram was killed due to alleged political reasons.
  • The body was found in a canal, raising alarms about political violence.
  • Two accused died during the trial process.

Kolkata, Nov 11 (NationPress) In a significant ruling, a court in the Hooghly district of West Bengal has handed down life sentences to eight CPI(M) workers for their involvement in the murder of Trinamool Congress activist Khudiram Hembram.

On Tuesday, Additional District and Sessions Judge Sanjay Kumar Sharma delivered the verdict in a case that dates back 15 years.

Records indicate that on March 18, 2010, the TMC activist was brutally murdered on the day his son was set to take his Higher Secondary (class 12) examinations in the Gurap region of Hooghly district.

After completing his farming duties, Khudiram visited a friend, Tapan Ruidas, but tragically, he never returned home. The following day, his body was discovered in a sack, drenched in blood, in a canal belonging to the Damodar Valley Corporation (DVC).

Authorities suspect that his murder stemmed from political motives, leading to Tapan filing a murder complaint at the Gurap police station on the night of March 19.

Following an investigation, law enforcement apprehended 10 CPI(M) workers, charging them with murder, evidence tampering, and other crimes.

The charge sheet was presented to the Chinsurah Court, where 12 witnesses, including four eyewitnesses, provided testimony. Unfortunately, two suspects passed away during the trial.

On November 6, the court found eight CPI(M) workers guilty. Judge Sharma sentenced Ravi Baske, Laxmi Ram Baske, Siddheshwar Malik, Sanatan Malik, Ganesh Malik, Laxminarayan Soren, and Nadu Tudu, along with the former panchayat chief Lalu Hansda, to life in prison. Two other accused, Amar Ruidas and Nepal Malik, died during the trial.

Point of View

Reflecting a need for increased safety and accountability in our political environment.
NationPress
12/11/2025

Frequently Asked Questions

What was the reason behind Khudiram Hembram's murder?
Khudiram Hembram was murdered allegedly due to political motives, linked to his affiliations with the Trinamool Congress.
How long did the trial take?
The trial spanned 15 years, from the time of the murder in 2010 until the sentencing in November 2023.
What charges were brought against the accused?
The accused faced charges including murder, destruction of evidence, and crimes involving weapons.
What was the outcome for the other accused?
Two of the accused died during the trial, while eight were convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment.
Who delivered the verdict?
The verdict was delivered by Additional District and Sessions Judge Sanjay Kumar Sharma at the Chinsurah court.
Nation Press