2 more held for Ariadaha attack, victims still in hosp
Times of India | 4 July 2024
Kolkata: Two more persons were arrested on Wednesday in connection with the attack on a 20-year-old college student Sayandip Panja, and his 45-year-old mother, Bubun, in front of their home at Ariadaha late on Sunday after Panja protested against Jayant Singh, a local goon.
So far, eight people have been arrested though Singh, who allegedly masterminded the attack, is still at large.
Residents of the area, including Sayandip’s father Bimal Panja, an employee of Kamarhati Municipality, who lodged an FIR against the accused, including Singh, at the Belgharia police station, staged an agitation on Wednesday, demanding Singh’s arrest. “Singh had no business interfering in a fight between two local youths that had ended for the day. He arrived with his men, armed with sticks and rods,” Bimal said.
The two arrested on Wednesday, Saikat Manna alias Jangha and Sandip Shah, were Singh’s close aides, said police. “The accused were booked under Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita for attempt to murder, voluntarily causing grievous injuries and criminal conspiracy. A hunt is on for Singh. Manna and Shah are being interrogated,” said a Barrackpore commissionerate senior officer. “The first six arrested have been remanded in judicial custody for 14 days.”
Sayandip and his mother are still undergoing treatment at a Beliaghata private hospital. An official at the hospital said the woman underwent a surgery on her shoulder on Tuesday. “Several of her teeth were smashed. Sayandip received multiple stitches on his head. He also suffered injuries on his legs, chest and hip. The two are recovering slowly,” the official said.
Locals claimed Singh’s alleged he was close to Trinamool functionaries, including Kamarhati MLA Madan Mitra and several councillors. A social media site of a local club has videos of Singh’s birthday, which was attended by Trinamool functionaries and councillors. “As an MLA, I have photos with 70% people of Kamarhati. Among t’hem, if someone commits crime, I have nothing to do with it and shouldn’t have any link with it. The law will take its course and police should arrest all the culprits,” Mitra said.