BJP accuses TMC of involvement in brutal killing of local party worker

Political tensions have escalated following the brutal killing of a local Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader in Baruipur.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE KOLKATA, 24 AUGUST

The BJP has accused the ruling Trinamul Congress (TMC) of orchestrating the attack ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections, reigniting political clashes in a state long marked by bitter rivalry between the two parties.

The victim, Rajib Biswas, served as booth president for Ward 15 of Baruipur Municipality. According to BJP leaders, Biswas was assaulted with sticks and sharp weapons inside his home on 8 August and left critically injured. A video of the attack, filmed by a local college student from a neighbouring house, has gone viral on social media over the past two days.

The BJP claims Biswas was targeted for putting up flags and posters ahead of a public rally led by Suvendu Adhikari, Leader of the Opposition in the Bengal Assembly.

"That was his only crime," said BJP leader Shankudeb Panda, alleging that the attackers included Biswas's own father and brother, who were allegedly instigated and aided by local TMC workers.