A man was beaten to death allegedly over a dispute involving a borrowed bicycle in Sonarpur South 24-Parganas, triggering political tension in the area. Police have arrested a Trinamul Congress panchayat member in connection with the incident. The deceased was identified as Ranjit Mondal (35), a resident of the Sonarpur area. According to police and local sources, the incident took place on Wednesday evening in the Shitala area under Sonarpur II gram panchayat.
Local shopkeeper Santosh Jana alleged that Mondal came to his shop claiming someone was unwell and requested to borrow his bicycle to fetch medicines. Jana allowed him to take the cycle, but even after two hours Mondal did not return it. “When Ranjit finally came back, he was without the bicycle. When I asked where it was, he denied taking any cycle at all,” Jana told the police. “Trinamul panchayat member Narayan Ray was present at that time. A heated exchange followed, and Ranjit started hurling abuses,” Jana added. He claimed that someone later took Mondal away, and he did not know what happened afterward. Police said Mondal was later found severely injured after being allegedly assaulted by a group of men. He was rushed to Subhasgram Rural Hospital and later shifted to Chittaranjan Hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
A case has been lodged against four persons, including the panchayat member. The police have arrested Narayan Ray, while others are absconding. Search operations are underway to nab the remaining accused. The incident has sparked tension in the area, with rival political parties trading charges. CPI-M leader and advocate Sayan Bandyopadhyay alleged that such acts were taking place under the “patronage” of the ruling party. “It is not surprising that a Trinamul panchayat member is involved in lynching. More people from the party are likely to be involved. The police must act impartially,” he said.
Trinamul leaders, however, distanced themselves from the accused. Robin Sardar, head of Sonarpur II gram panchayat, said, “We have heard about the incident. A fight took place and later a man died. The law will take its own course. No one will be spared if found guilty.” Police said an investigation is on.