Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Nov 27: A Trinamool Congress worker was brutally killed in West Bengal’s Malda district after a village-level ‘kangaroo court’ convened by local panchayat members spiralled into violence. The victim, identified as 45-year-old Ekramul Sheikh, died after being attacked with a sharp weapon during the gathering in the Kaliachak area.

The conflict reportedly began with a dispute between Ekramul and Trinamool booth president Shamsul Sheikh over the use of a tractor on agricultural land. Family members of the deceased alleged that when they approached the local police, their complaint was not registered.

Following this, Muktar Sheikh — husband of the Trinamool member of Rajnagar Gram Panchayat — allegedly convened an informal village court to settle the issue. During the proceedings, Shamsul was ordered to perform sit-ups while holding his ears as punishment. Enraged by the ruling, Shamsul allegedly attacked Ekramul in full public view with a sharp weapon, injuring several others who tried to intervene.

Ekramul was rushed to Malda Medical College and Hospital, where he was declared dead on arrival. The injured are currently undergoing treatment.

Demanding strict action, the victim’s family alleged political protection for the accused. Malda SP Pradeep Kumar Yadav said a police team led by senior officers immediately reached the spot and that the area remains under heavy police deployment. “An investigation has been initiated,” he said.

The BJP strongly criticised the Trinamool government, accusing it of fostering “lawlessness” and allowing parallel justice systems to thrive. “There is no law and order under Trinamool’s rule. Kangaroo courts have replaced police stations,” said BJP district general secretary Biswajit Roy.

The Trinamool leadership, however, dismissed allegations of political involvement. District TMC general secretary Biswajit Ghosh termed the incident a “family dispute,” accusing the BJP of unnecessarily politicising the tragedy.