Violence breaks out in West Bengal as houses are set on fire after TMC leader shot dead and suspect beaten to death

Shortly after he was shot, Laskar’s supporters arrested a man they suspected of being involved in the murder and beat him to death.

Amid these developments, a political slugfest started and local Trinamool leaders alleged that CPM supporters were behind the murder of Saifuddin Laskar. (Representative image)

Calcutta: Mass violence broke out in South 24 Parganas district of West Bengal after a TMC leader was shot dead and a suspect was beaten to death. As the violence intensified, several houses were torched and a political blame game ensued between the ruling Trinamool and the opposition CPM.

The development came after Trinamool leader Saifuddin Laskar was shot dead outside his house in Joynagar this morning. Notably, Laskar led the Trinamool unit in Joynagar’s Bamungachi area and his wife is a panchayat pradhan.

Shortly after he was shot, Laskar’s supporters arrested a man they suspected of being involved in the murder and beat him to death. In addition, supporters of the ruling party also set fire to several houses in the area.

Amid these developments, a political slugfest started and local Trinamool leaders alleged that CPM supporters were behind the murder of Saifuddin Laskar.

However, CPM leader Sujan Chakraborty refuted the allegations and said the killing is a “result of infighting within the Trinamool”. “There is no point in blaming the CPM,” he said.

Chakraborty also stated that the police should conduct a proper investigation and unravel the conspiracy.

However, police said one person has been arrested in connection with the murder of the Trinamool leader. Police added that an investigation is underway and a case has been registered.