Man beaten to death over bicycle row, one arrested

A man was beaten to death allegedly over a dispute involving a borrowed bicycle in Sonarpur South 24-Parganas, triggering political tension in the area. Police have arrested a Trinamul Congress panchayat member in connection with the incident. The deceased was identified as Ranjit Mondal (35), a resident of the Sonarpur area. According to police and local sources, the incident took place on Wednesday evening in the Shitala area under Sonarpur II gram panchayat.

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Local shopkeeper Santosh Jana alleged that Mondal came to his shop claiming someone was unwell and requested to borrow his bicycle to fetch medicines. Jana allowed him to take the cycle, but even after two hours Mondal did not return it. "When Ranjit finally came back, he was without the bicycle. When I asked where it was, he denied taking any cycle at all," Jana told the police. "Trinamul panchayat member Narayan Ray was present at that time. A heated exchange followed, and Ranjit star