A third year college student was killed at Titagarh in a scuffle during Holi celebrations in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district on Friday.
Akash Choudhury, who is said to be associated with the student wing of Trinamool Congress was attacked by a group of youths near his residence. Akash suffered series injuries State-run Balaram Hospital Khardaha and then R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata, where he succumbed to his injuries.
The police arrested Pawan Rajbhar in connection with the murder. Rajbhar was earlier jailed in connection with another criminal case in the area. While the family denied any political motive to the murder, the incident during Holi festivities sparked tensions in the area. Local Trinamool Congress councillor Vikash Singh said that it is not clear whether there is any political motive to the murder, but added that Pawan Rajbhar was associated with Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in the past. Former Barrackpore MP Arjun Singh said that the death was due to due to local control of resources. The BJP added that the local councillor was Vikas Singh was associated with the BJP in the past.
Titagarh and adjoining areas of North 24 Parganas, particularly the Barrackpore Subdivision have witnessed voice over the past few years and several people have been killed.
Meanwhile, the Kolkata Police arrested 161 persons for disorderly conduct and seized about 33.6 litres of illicit liquor during Holi celebrations. In another development, Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari alleged that idols were “broken” in Nandigram II Block. “Such repeated heinous acts targeting Sanatani religious activities will only widen the communal rift in the society. The WB Police need to act tough and refrain from covering the lid on such horrendous acts,” Mr. Adhikari posted on social media platform X.
Published – March 14, 2025 10:08 pm IST
