Representative Image USTHI/KOLKATA: Almost four days after he went missing, the blood-soaked dead body of a BJP leader was found inside his party office on Friday evening. The incident was reported in the Dipar Mor area under the Usthi police station in South 24 Parganas.
The victim, Prithviraj Naskar, claimed BJP sources, was responsible for the social media cell of the BJP's Mathurapur organisational district and was missing since Monday night. On Friday, the police discovered his body inside the party office and sent it for an autopsy.
According to family sources, Prithviraj always carried three phones. On Sunday, he attended a Bhai Dooj ceremony at home, received blessings from his sisters, and left home on Monday night, never to return. Attempts to contact him on his three phones were unsuccessful, as they either rang unanswered or were turned off. The family demands strict punishment for those involved in this incident.
Naskar's family filed a missing person report at the Usti police station on Thursday. On Friday night, they learned that his body was inside the party office. Police arrived at the scene, broke the lock, and retrieved the body, which was sent to the Diamond Harbour police morgue for an autopsy. A large police force has been deployed at the scene.
The police are investigating the motive behind the murder and whether there is any political reason involved. The deceased's brother stated, "I was not at home. My wife called me at night to inform me that my brother was murdered. I am in no condition to say anything. I don't know who did this. The room where his body was found was not frequently used, and it was locked from the outside. We demand strict punishment for the murderers."
The Trinamool Congress has hinted at internal BJP conflicts being the cause. Imran Hasan, a youth leader of the ruling party in the area, said, "During the Lok Sabha elections, they received a lot of money, leading to disputes over its distribution, resulting in this incident. The BJP engages in murder politics."
In response, the BJP pointed fingers at Trinamool for the murder. Local BJP leader Ashok Purkait said, "This is a conspiracy. Prithviraj was an active BJP worker with a significant role in the organisation here. We have no faith in the administration. This murder is due to his involvement with the BJP." The BJP has announced a protest at the police station demanding the arrest of the culprits.
BJP state President Sukanta Majumdar spoke with the victim's brother from Balurghat, assuring him of the party's support and all necessary assistance. He stated that arrangements are being made for the autopsy to be conducted at a central govt hospital, as per the family's request. Sukanta added, "Prithviraj was very innocent. He was either killed and left at the party office or murdered inside it. He was missing for four days. I spoke with his brother via video call.
We demand a proper investigation and the arrest of the culprits. Trinamool may be behind the murder. Why couldn't the police track his phone location? The police in West Bengal, especially in South 24 Parganas, are completely used for political purposes. The party stands by the victim's family and will provide financial assistance."