A real estate developer, identified as Soufik Khan, 27, was shot dead at point‑blank range by two men in Howrah on Wednesday morning, police said.
Howrah Police Commissioner Akash Magharia said that the two accused have been identified as, Rohit and Harun, through CCTV footage. They are currently absconding, and a manhunt is underway to catch them, he added.
Additionally, the BJP has alleged that Harun had close links with local TMC MLA Goutam Chowdhury.
According to senior officials, the murder was a result of a personal rivalry that was triggered by a financial dispute. The incident took place at around 4.00 am in the Pilkhana locality, which falls under the jurisdiction of the Golabari police station.
According to police sources, CCTV footage available from near a local tea stall in the area, shows that two men arrived on a motorcycle and started speaking to the real estate developer. While they were engaged in a conversation, one of the accused suddenly pulls out a gun and fires at Soufik from point-blank range, followed by the other accused. As the realtor dropped to the floor, the accused allegedly fired multiple rounds before fleeing the scene. It is reported that the bullets pierced Khan’s head and chest.
He was rushed to the hospital, where doctors declared him dead upon arrival, the sources said. Upon receiving news of the incident, the police arrived at the spot.
Meanwhile, the victim’s family claims that Khan was killed over an extortion demand, stemming from an old feud. They allege he was asked for a large sum, and his refusal led to the murder. Residents have also alleged that the murder stemmed from a real estate dispute and claimed that two accused were involved.
Tensions in the area, meanwhile, remain high. An angry mob set fire to the accused’s motorcycle, which was eventually extinguished by the fire brigade. Local residents also blocked GT Road, demanding the immediate arrest of the culprits.
According to an eyewitness, the situation was so volatile that even a TV journalist was brutally beaten by the local goons.
A senior area official said, “Regular action is being taken against those involved in antisocial activities in the area and assured that these operations would continue.”
Local BJP leader Umesh Rai claimed that Harun (one of the accused) is a Trinamool Youth Congress leader from Ward 16 of Howrah and is “close” to Trinamool Congress MLA Gautam Chowdhury of the Howrah Uttar constituency. Photos of them together on a motorcycle have also gone viral and are being shared widely.
The other accused, Rohit, is allegedly an arms dealer and an ex-convict.
The BJP has further alleged that the deceased, Soufik, was linked to a local criminal gang and that antisocial activities have increased under the MLA’s patronage.
Dismissing the claims, TMC leader Chowdhury said, “There is no political connection to the incident” and that the incident was the result of a personal dispute. “Thousands of people join me in meetings and rallies. It isn’t always possible to know what everyone is involved in. I am in talks with the police administration; the area will be cleared of unrest, and the miscreants will be jailed,” he added.
“I hope the party will look into it. If a leader is seen on the vehicle with criminals and goons it is definitely a sign of trouble for civil society and it will land them in problem now or later,” senior veteran TMC leader Saugata Roy told a news channel.
However, TMC spokesperson Debangshu Bhattacharya questioned why such an incident took place in a state headed for elections. “When the entire year the state has been peaceful, how ahead of elections such an incident has taken place?” he asked, terming the murder “very disturbing”.
“What is to be noted is that all the arms that are supplied are from Munger. Now, Munger is in Bihar, and the NDA has been ruling Bihar for the last 20 years. Why can’t they ensure Munger stops making arms, and the supply of arms to the neighbouring state?” he questioned.
Another firing incident occurred late Monday night in Kolkata. Following a dispute between local youths and Mohammad Niyaz (alias Raja) in the Beniapukur police station area, where Raja was shot. He is currently undergoing treatment.