Four nabbed for attack on BJP MP Murmu, MLA Ghosh in north Bengal

Jalpaiguri police have arrested four persons in connection with the recent attack on North Malda MP Khagen and Siliguri MLA Sankar Ghosh at Nagrakata.

According to police sources, the accused have been identified as Ekramul Haque, Gobinda Sharma, Shahanur Alam, and Md Tofayel. While the first three were produced before the Jalpaiguri court on Wednesday, Tofayel was arrested later in the day.

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Following the incident, Alipurduar MP Manoj Tigga told reporters that a formal complaint had been lodged with the police, naming eight individuals allegedly involved in the attack.

Despite being advised rest by doctors, MP Khagen Murmu, who is undergoing treatment at the hospital, spoke to reporters from his hospital bed. “A group of Jihadi Muslims attacked us with the intention to kill. Somehow, Sankar Ghosh and I managed to escape from the spot,” Mr Murmu alleged.

Reacting sharply to chief minister Mamata Banerjee’s comments describing the incident as “minor,” Mr Murmu said: “The chief minister deliberately downplays such major law and order incidents by calling them small issues. What is happening in West Bengal is nothing short of ‘Jungle Raj’.”

Recounting the moments of the attack, the BJP MP said that when he and Mr Ghosh reached one of the affected villages Bamondanga in the Nagrakata area, a group of local residents confronted them aggressively.

“They shouted, ‘We are Didi’s people. No one from your party can stay or work here. If you don’t leave, you’ll face dire consequences,’” he claimed.

Mr Murmu further said that while attempting to flee the scene, their vehicle was attacked with stones. “As we got into the car and tried to drive away, they hurled large stones, smashing the windows. I was injured in the attack and sustained three fractures on the left side of my face,” he said.

Expressing gratitude to his party colleagues and supporters, Mr Murmu added: “I am thankful to everyone who took to the streets to protest against this attack, as well as to our party leadership for their support. Even members of the Adivasi community have united to condemn the incident, and I am deeply grateful to them.”