TMC leader Dulal Sarkar shot dead

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock on social media while recalling the slain leader's association with the party; she also asked ministers Firhad Hakim and Sabina Yeasmin to visit Malda

- STATESMAN NEWS SERVICE

Senior Trinamul Congress leader Dulal Sarkar, popularly known as Babla, was murdered near his home in English Bazaar, Malda district, today.

Three armed assailants attacked Sarkar shortly after he got out of his car around 10.30 a.m. Sarkar tried to escape and ran into a nearby shop selling e-rickshaw spare parts. CCTV footage shows the attackers chasing him and firing repeatedly. They entered the shop and 'shot him dead'.

Chief minister Mamata Banerjee expressed her shock on social media, saying, "My close associate and a very popular leader, Babla Sarkar, has been murdered today. From the beginning of the Trinamul Congress, he and his wife Chaitali Sarkar worked tirelessly for the party. I am deeply saddened and shocked. The culprits must be brought to justice immediately."

Following chief minister Mamata Banerjee's instructions, ministers Firhad Hakim and Sabina Yeasmin immediately flew to Malda to oversee the situation.