Kolkata stabbing: Mother, daughter held for killing live-in partner in Garia
Synopsis
A software engineer was fatally stabbed in his rented Garia flat during a late-night altercation with his live-in girlfriend, who was subsequently arrested along with her mother. The motive remains unclear, and police are probing what role the mother played — a double arrest that has shaken the neighbourhood during Kali Puja.
Key Takeaways
Sarthak Sarkar , a software engineer at a firm in Salt Lake's Sector V , was fatally stabbed in a rented flat in Garia, Kolkata on the night of Saturday, 7 November .
His live-in partner, Sanchalika Basu , was arrested after police found she allegedly struck him with a sharp weapon during an altercation.
Her mother, Moumita Basu , was subsequently arrested on suspicion of involvement in the killing.
Sarkar was a native of Barasat in North 24 Parganas ; Basu reportedly studied at Techno India Institute .
The motive for the attack and the exact role of the mother are still under investigation; both accused are in police custody.
A mother-daughter duo was arrested on Sunday, 8 November 2026, in connection with the fatal stabbing of a software engineer in the Garia area on the outskirts of Kolkata, police said. The victim, Sarthak Sarkar, was found dead in a rented flat he shared with his girlfriend, Sanchalika Basu, making it one of the more disturbing crime cases to surface in the city during the Kali Puja period.
How the Crime Unfolded
According to police, a disturbance broke out between the couple late Saturday night at their rented flat in Garia. During the altercation, Basu allegedly struck Sarkar on the shoulder with a sharp weapon. Neighbours, alerted by screams, rushed to the flat and transported the injured man to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead on arrival.
Sarkar's body was formally recovered on Saturday night. He was a software engineer employed at a company in Salt Lake's Sector V and originally hailed from Barasat in North 24 Parganas district.
Arrests and Suspects
Police arrested Sanchalika Basu following an initial investigation into the stabbing. Subsequently, her mother, Moumita Basu, was also taken into custody on suspicion of involvement in the killing. Investigators have indicated they suspect Moumita Basu may have played a role in the crime and plan to interrogate both individuals in custody to establish the full sequence of events.
Sanchalika Basu, who reportedly studied at Techno India Institute, had been sharing the Garia flat with Sarkar as his live-in partner.
Motive Under Investigation
The precise motive for the altercation remains unclear, according to police. Investigators are examining whether the attack stemmed solely from the dispute between the couple or whether other underlying reasons were involved. The nature and extent of Moumita Basu's role in the killing is also being probed, with both accused in police custody pending further questioning.
Notably, the incident occurred during Kali Puja celebrations, drawing sharp attention from the neighbourhood. Residents near the Garia flat have reportedly demanded exemplary punishment for the accused.
Local Reaction and Context
The killing has caused considerable unease in a locality already engaged in festive activity. Neighbours who responded to the screams and helped rush Sarkar to hospital are likely to be questioned as witnesses. This comes amid broader concerns in Kolkata over domestic violence and disputes within live-in relationships, cases of which have drawn increasing police and judicial scrutiny in recent years.
Investigators are expected to present both accused before a court in the coming days as the case progresses.
Point of View
Two very different legal scenarios. Kolkata's Garia neighbourhood is not unfamiliar with tenancy-related conflicts, but the involvement of an older family member elevates the complexity of the case considerably. Courts in West Bengal have increasingly scrutinised the evidentiary standard in domestic violence cases involving live-in couples, and the prosecution will need a credible theory of Moumita Basu's role before charges are framed. The timing — Kali Puja — amplifies public outrage, but it also risks prejudicing scrutiny that the investigation still requires.
NationPress
8 Nov 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
Who was killed in the Kolkata Garia stabbing?
The victim was Sarthak Sarkar, a software engineer employed at a company in Salt Lake's Sector V, Kolkata. He was originally from Barasat in North 24 Parganas and lived in a rented flat in Garia with his live-in partner, Sanchalika Basu.
Who has been arrested in connection with the Garia murder?
Police arrested Sanchalika Basu, the victim's live-in partner, following an initial investigation. Her mother, Moumita Basu, was subsequently arrested on suspicion of involvement in the killing. Both are in police custody pending further interrogation.
What is the suspected motive behind the stabbing?
The motive remains unclear. Police are investigating whether the attack arose solely from an altercation between the couple or whether other reasons were involved. The nature of Moumita Basu's alleged role in the killing is also being examined.
When and where did the incident take place?
The stabbing took place on Saturday night, 7 November, at a rented flat in Garia on the outskirts of Kolkata. Sarkar's body was recovered that night; the arrests were made on Sunday, 8 November.
What happens next in the case?
Both Sanchalika Basu and Moumita Basu are being interrogated in custody. Police are expected to present them before a court in the coming days. Investigators are also questioning neighbours who responded to the screams and helped take Sarkar to hospital.
