Kolkata: The personal assistant (PA) of former Trinamool Congress MLA Sunil Singh, who is also the brother-in-law of minister Arjun Singh, was allegedly beaten to death with bricks at Garulia in Noapara on Sunday night after he objected to people drinking alcohol inside a local club.
The deceased was identified as Shekhar Chowdhury, alias Bunty (30). Police have arrested three persons in connection with the incident.
According to local residents, several youths were drinking at a club near Bunty’s house on Sunday night. “He objected, following which an argument and scuffle broke out. He was hit several times with bricks during the altercation,” a local trader said.
Former Sunil Singh and his son reached the spot after being informed of the incident. Bunty was initially admitted to a private hospital in Barrackpore. As his condition deteriorated, he was shifted to a private hospital in Kolkata, where he died on Monday afternoon.
Police have arrested three persons — Vicky Chowdhury, Aman Chowdhury and Pintu Chowdhury — in connection with the incident. The cops said the accused had previously faced several allegations, including sale of drugs.
A CCTV video of the incident has also surfaced, purportedly showing a group of youths surrounding Bunty, assaulting him and repeatedly striking him with bricks. TOI, however, could not independently verify the authenticity of the video.
Tension prevailed in Garulia on Monday after news of Bunty’s death spread. Noapara MLA and minister Arjun Singh visited his family and assured them of all possible assistance.
Sunil Singh said: “It is extremely unfortunate. However, this is not a political incident and no political issue is involved. Bunty was a very good person. He lost his life while protesting against people consuming intoxicants.” He also questioned how heroin was being sold in the area. “We are examining the CCTV footage to determine whether others were involved in the attack,” a police officer said.