Malda murder: Cops question TMC neta after widow’s claim
Times of India | 8 January 2025
12 Malda: The Malda police on Tuesday questioned English Bazaar Town Trinamool Congress president and former municipality chairperson Narendranath Tiwari in connection with the Jan 2 murder of TMC councillor Dulal Sarkar. His brother Akhilesh Tiwari, a trader, was also summoned by cops.
The questioning came after Sarkar's widow, Chaitali, alleged that some "ambitious netas in the party" may be behind her husband's killing.
Chaitali, a councillor of the English Bazaar civic body, said: "I believe there was a clear political motive behind the murder, and not business rivalry. A change in civic body chairperson was on the cards, and my husband had a hint that he might get the post. It was a ploy by a section in the party to remove him from contention."
Sarkar was a six-time councillor and served as the municipality's vice-chairperson for a long time. Chaitali said she would approach CM Mamata Banerjee on this issue.
The municipality chairperson, Krishnendu Choudhury, refused to comment on the matter. "Police are doing their job. If she (Chaitali) has to say anything, she can approach the police," he said.
Tiwari was summoned by the police within hours of Chaitali's allegation. Tiwari had an old rivalry with Sarkar that took a violent turn two years ago when the former was assaulted by Sarkar's men. Before going to the police, Tiwari said: "We had no misunderstanding. I am deeply shocked at Sarkar's murder. I am committed to cooperating with the police." The interrogation was ongoing till late evening.
Forensic experts visited the spot where Sarkar was shot on Monday evening and collected samples.