4 hrs ago
CID, STF Probe Killing of BJP Worker in Birbhum
Chandan Bhalla, a local BJP worker, was shot and killed in Bolpur, West Bengal.
Police say two men on a motorcycle attacked him on Sunday night.
He was reportedly showing land to a possible buyer when the shooting happened.
The CID and Special Task Force are helping local police investigate.
Officers collected blood samples, tyre marks and footprints from the scene.
They are also checking phone records, eyewitness statements and available CCTV footage.
A police dog searched the route the attackers may have used.
Bhalla’s family believes the killing may have been politically motivated.
Police are also considering land disputes and where the gun came from, but no one had been arrested in the reports.
Chandan Bhalla was shot dead by two motorcycle-borne attackers in Bolpur on Sunday night.
The CID and West Bengal STF joined Birbhum police in investigating the killing.
Police are examining forensic samples, witness accounts, call records, tower data and CCTV footage.
Investigators are probing political rivalry, land disputes and the possible source of the firearm.
Bhalla’s family alleges a political motive, while police said no suspects had been detained.
- Who
- Chandan Bhalla, a BJP booth-level worker in Bolpur, was killed; Birbhum police, the CID and the West Bengal STF are investigating.
- What
- Bhalla was shot at close range by two motorcycle-borne attackers who then fled.
- Where
- The attack took place in the Millpara area of Trishulpatty, under Ward 12 of Bolpur Municipality in Birbhum, West Bengal.
- When
- The shooting occurred on Sunday night; the investigation began and intensified on Monday.
- Why
- The motive has not been established. Police are examining political rivalry, land-related disputes and the firearm’s possible source, while Bhalla’s family alleges a political motive.
Political-Motive Allegation
Investigative Uncertainty
Reason for the killing
Political-Motive Allegation
Bhalla’s wife and family allege that the murder was politically motivated, with his wife suspecting involvement by the Trinamool Congress and recalling earlier political violence against the family.
Investigative Uncertainty
Police have not confirmed a political motive and are also examining land-related disputes and other possible explanations.
Nature of the attack
Political-Motive Allegation
An eyewitness described two masked or partially concealed attackers on a motorcycle shooting Bhalla at point-blank range, which the family views as a planned assassination.
Investigative Uncertainty
Police said the killing appeared planned but are still verifying the attackers’ identities, movements, weapon and possible links to neighbouring Jharkhand.
Available surveillance evidence
Political-Motive Allegation
The absence of CCTV cameras near the crime scene, as reported by one account, makes eyewitness and digital evidence especially important.
Investigative Uncertainty
Another report said police had collected and were examining CCTV footage from the area to trace the suspected assailants before and after the incident; investigators are also using phone and tower data.
Key facts
- Victim
- Chandan Bhalla, described in the reports as 42 or 47, and a BJP booth-level worker
- Incident
- Fatal close-range shooting by two motorcycle-borne attackers on Sunday night
- Location
- Millpara area of Trishulpatty, Bolpur Municipality, Birbhum
- Investigation
- Birbhum police are being assisted by the Criminal Investigation Department and West Bengal Special Task Force
- Evidence
- Forensic samples, blood, tyre marks, footprints, witness statements, call records, tower data and CCTV footage
- Police findings
- The reports say Bhalla suffered a single fatal bullet wound to the head
- Suspects
- No suspects had been detained in the reports
- Potential motives
- Police are examining political rivalry and land transactions; the family alleges political involvement
Quotes
Bidit Raj Bandyopadhyay
Birbhum Superintendent of Police overseeing the investigation
“We have secured the place of occurrence with protective shades to preserve evidence. Experts from the Forensic Science Laboratory (FSL) visited the spot today to collect physical samples. Additionally, a specialized canine unit was deployed to track clues across a two-kilometre stretch extending from Trishulpatty to Arati More.”
thestatesman.com
“This is an incredibly tragic incident, and we demand absolute justice. Bolpur is a renowned tourism hub, and the police administration must act decisively to stop this bloodshed.”
thestatesman.com
Sources
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