Ratua ASI hacked to death in Chandpur

Statesman News Service

MALDA, 24 JAN: Sanat Ghosh (40), assistant sub-inspector of police, was hacked to death by a group of criminals, during a raid at Chandpur, near Mirzatpur under Ratua police station early today.

The incident took place around 12.30 am as Ghosh along with two National Volunteer Force and two Home Guards raided the house of Ansarul Sheikh to nab him on charges of murder, extortion and kidnapping.

According to Malda SP, the criminals dragged him inside the house after hurling bombs on them when they were standing in front of Ansarul’s house to carry out a raid.

Ansarul and his sons hacked Ghosh by Hansua, a sharp cutting weapon, and managed to flee. After the incident, additional police force rushed to spot to rescue Ghosh and admitted him to a local health centre at Araidanga in Ratua where he was declared dead.

Latter other police officials including the Malda SP Mr Bhuban Mandal rushed to the spot and conducted a raid through out the night. Mr Mandal said: “Ghosh was dynamic and was popular in the police office in Ratua area. The criminals had hit Ghosh on his head four times.

“All the accused including Ansarul managed to flee. However, we have detained one female member of the gang”, Mr Mandal said.

Ansarul Sheikh, a former Army man, and his sons were notorious in the area. Recently they had started to live at Chandpur. ASI Ghosh, was the resident of Tapan in South Dinajpur.

Mrs Mita Ghosh her nine year old daughter burst into tears at police quarters in English Bazaar town this morning as they came to know about the incident. The entire police team has got demoralized after series of incidents where police officials are being attacked by the criminals and also villagers in Harishchandrapur police station.

“It would be very difficult to keep up the moral of the police team here if such things keep on happening continuously”, said Mr Mandal.

Malda police officials have already been demoralized after the statement of IG north Bengal Mr K L Tamta. Speaking to journalists, Mr Tamta yesterday criticised the role of police firing terming it ‘miscalculation’. Five persons were injured in the incident.