Missing BJP leader found dead in East Midnapore pond
The Statesman | 3 January 2026
Tension gripped Sudampur under the Moyna Assembly constituency in East Midnapore after the body of a local BJP leader was recovered from a pond five days after he went missing.
The deceased has been identified as Subrata Adhikari (33). His family has alleged political murder, accusing Trinamul Congress-backed local goons of killing him.
According to his mother Kajal Devi, Adhikari left home on 28 December to attend a Bajrangbali puja and never returned. His body was later found floating in a nearby pond. She has demanded a thorough police investigation.
Local BJP leader Sujit Bera claimed the condition of the body suggested murder elsewhere, followed by disposal in the pond. He also said Adhikari’s mobile phone was missing and alleged that the victim had earlier been assaulted by goons. Bera accused the ruling party of intimidating locals ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.
The TMC has denied the allegations. Police have sent the body for post-mortem and begun an investigation.