New twist in CPI-M worker's murder case

Statesman News Service

MALDA, Jan. 27. — Though the CPI-M had held the KLO activists solely responsible for the murder of a CPI-M worker Shekhar Sinha, who was shot in a clubroom at Pakuahat on 22 January night, the district CPI-M leaders said today that the victim’s close associates were also involved in the murder.Police have already arrested Samir Roy, a CPI-M worker, who was a deputy pradhan of a local gram panchayat and at present is a panchayat worker in Pakuahat.Samir was present in the club room when the incident took place and played a key role to invite Shekhar to join them to drink liquor on that night. Shekhar was so popular and he had set the club framing some rules and regulations where liquor was restricted. Sources said that Shekhar, who is very close to Mr Sailen Sarkar, minister for food processing industries and horticulture, was a committed worker and after completion of diploma engineering got a service in Cooch Beher Zilla Parishad. Shekhar had protested against some ‘unlawful’ work and anti party activities committed by a group of youths led by Samir Roy, they claimed. It was also reported by the relatives that Samir used to send threat letters in the name of KLO to the local people of repute and collected ransom in the name of KLO. Not only that Samir was also involved in various illegal activities and used to collect tax from the traders.A distant relative of Shekhar informed that when Shekhar came to know about it, he threatened to disclose the matter to the CPI-M leaders if they do not put a halt to their evil practices.“The group led by Samir Roy, after election in Pakuahat college, a few days ago where Shekhar played a vital role to win all seats against the Left Front, was trying to create an atmosphere that anti-Left forces particularly KLO members have targeted to kill him and the group showcased a team of guard for his safety and security,” Shekhar’s associates claimed “Firearm which was used to kill Shekhar was sophisticated and there must be a KLO link,” said Mr Jiban Moitra, the district secretary of the CPI-M, adding that they would be getting a clearer picture very soon after completion of police investigations. Mr Moitra alleged that the close associates of Shekhar were also involved in the murder.“A forensic team will be coming today to investigate the matter. We have arrested Samir Roy, the prime suspect. After completion of the investigation it would be crystal clear who masterminded the murder,” said Mr Dilip Kumar Mondal, the Malda SP.