The head of Howrah’s Sampuipara Basukathi gram panchayat and Trinamool Congress leader Debobrata Mondal, alias Babu Mondal, was shot on Thursday night. His associate, Anupam Rana, was also hit by a bullet.

Both were rushed to a private hospital in North Howrah in critical condition, and Mondal has since been shifted to SSKM Hospital.

The incident took place around 11 pm in the Sampuipara area under Liluah police station while the two were returning home on a motorbike, police said.

“Babu Mondal was returning home after a small party when he was hit from very close range. They both were on a bike,” said officials.

Mondal was shot in the waist and shoulder. When Anupam tried to intervene, he was also hit before the suspect fled.

Residents rushed the two to the hospital after they collapsed on the road. “They have been hospitalised. A case has been registered and all efforts are being made to arrest the accused,” said Howrah Police Commissioner Praveen Tripathy.

Several party leaders and workers, including Howrah District (Sadar) Trinamool President and MLA Goutam Chowdhury, MLA Kalyan Ghosh, and Domjur Youth Trinamool President Noorj Molla, visited the hospital.

MLA Kalyan Ghosh said, “It is unclear why such an incident occurred. We have asked the police to arrest the culprits immediately.”

Police have launched an investigation and are searching for the assailant. The shooting has triggered panic in the area, further heightening tensions in Howrah ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.

A name that has surfaced during the probe is that of Suman Choudhury, a history-sheeter previously jailed in extortion and attempted murder cases. Police sources said CCTV footage is being examined to identify and arrest the accused.