CM Suvendu Adhikari Directs Swift Action in BJP Worker Prashanta Dey’s Murder Case
NEW DELHI: West Bengal Chief Minister and BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari has ordered the state Criminal Investigation Department (CID) to expedite the custodial trial concerning the alleged murder of BJP worker Prashanta Dey.
On Saturday, Adhikari paid his respects to Dey at his residence in Howrah’s Bagnan and met with the grieving family. He later convened a high-level review meeting at the local police station, involving senior police and civil administration officials, including the IG, DIG, SP, and the district magistrate.
Following the meeting, Adhikari addressed the media, revealing that ten of the 51 individuals named in the FIR had been apprehended so far and instructed the CID to locate the remaining suspects.
“I have directed the CID, in no ambiguous terms, to find the remaining 41 accused, even if they are hiding in the depths of hell. The chargesheet must be filed while the suspects are in custody, and a custody trial must be initiated. Once convicted, they must be punished as per provisions of the BNS (Bharatiya Nyay Sanhita),” Adhikari stated.
He added that a 10-member Special Investigation Team (SIT) is currently working on the case and announced plans to appoint a Special Public Prosecutor to ensure severe punishments for those responsible.
“Criminals have gained courage to act with impunity since they were never appropriately punished. Unlike the rule under the previous regime in the state, we have established the rule of law. The murderers will be swiftly brought to justice with exemplary punishment so that such crimes are not repeated in future,” Adhikari said, criticizing the previous Trinamool Congress (TMC) government.
The TMC was ousted in the April assembly elections after 15 years in power, paving the way for the BJP to form its first government in West Bengal, with Adhikari, a former TMC member, taking on the role of Chief Minister.
In addition to legal actions, the Chief Minister announced financial assistance of ₹5 lakh for Dey’s family, supplementing the previously provided ₹4 lakh from the district administration, along with a contractual government position for Dey’s sister.
Dey (39), who served as the vice-president of BJP’s Booth 197 under Bagnan Mandal-5, was reportedly beaten to death by local TMC miscreants on June 17 amid post-poll violence. His family claims he was assaulted while en route to a social event.
The victim suffered severe head injuries and was declared dead upon arrival at Bagnan Rural Hospital, while three other BJP workers incurred critical injuries during the incident.
Family members of the deceased reported that the main suspect, local TMC leader Mafizul Rahman, remains at large.
“I have also asked the DM to prepare a fact-finding report on the illegal activities these miscreants were involved in, including forceful land grabs and unauthorized property constructions from ill-gotten money. I have been assured that lawful action will be taken against them on those counts as well,” Adhikari noted.
He emphasized that these criminals have long evaded justice due to vote bank politics and religious considerations.
(with PTI inputs)
