Man killed over land row, youth dies in clash in Malda
Times of India | 17 March 2025
123 Malda: A Bhutni panchayat secretary in Malda was stabbed to death by relatives over a bitter land dispute on Saturday, in clashes that left five people injured. Three persons were arrested.
In another instance of violence on the same day, a 28-year-old was killed as two groups fought in Kaliachak. Five persons were detained for questioning.
According to sources, Chandipur's Kamal Mandal (48), a former Trinamool panchayat member who was working as a panchayat secretary, had a dispute with his cousin Fekan Mandal over a plot of agricultural land. Villagers held several reconciliation meetings but in vain. The case is now in court.
On Saturday, tensions flared after a goat belonging to Kamal strayed on to Fekan's land. The quarrel turned violent as Fekan took out a dagger and stabbed Kamal repeatedly. Fekan's son Prabir and wife Anita also joined him even as Kamal's family tried to rescue him. Kamal was taken to Bhutni health centre, but died on the way. The five injured were taken to hospital, and four were referred to Malda Medical College & Hospital. Fekan, Prabir and Anita were arrested.
At Charianatapur under Kaliachak police station, a fight broke out between Manoj Ghosh and Bikash Ghosh as the former allegedly made an insulting comment. Supporters from both sides joined in. Four persons sustained severe injuries and were referred to the medical college, where Bikash died.
Police on Sunday detained one person after firing took place in Malda's English Bazar on Saturday over betting. Biplab Ghosh, a local, suffered a gunshot wound in his arm in the incident.
Police took Ghosh to Malda Medical College and Hospital. Enquiry revealed that a heated altercation ensued among some drunk youths over private betting in a cricket match. They were identified as Uttam Mandal, Subha Das, Tanuj Mandal and Rohit Mandal. During the altercation, Uttam took out a firearm and fired two rounds at Tanuj, but the bullet hit Ghosh accidentally. Subha has been arrested.