TMC Leader’s Murder: Businessman Arrested in Port Blair
18.05.2024: In a significant development, a businessman has been arrested in connection with the murder of Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sanjeev Das, also known as Potla. The arrest took place in Port Blair, Andaman, following a joint operation by the South Andaman Police and the Bidhannagar Police Commissionerate.
Arrest Details
Kapil Deb, identified as the accused, was apprehended from a lodge in Aberdeen Bazaar on May 16. The operation was carried out based on information shared by the West Bengal Police. “The West Bengal Police provided details about the suspect, leading us to initiate a search. A team of officers from West Bengal joined us, and we successfully arrested Kapil Deb,” stated South Andaman’s SP Niharika Bhatt.
Background of the Incident
Sanjeev Das was killed in a violent clash between two factions of the TMC on April 27 in Baguiati, located on the northern fringes of Kolkata. The altercation in Arjunpur West Para escalated into a violent confrontation, resulting in Das being severely injured. He was rushed to a hospital where he was declared dead upon arrival. Das had been implicated in 11 cases, including those related to the Arms Act.
Investigation and Arrests
The arrest of Kapil Deb brings the total number of people apprehended in connection with the case to 18. The arrests were made following a complaint lodged by the deceased’s daughter, Payel Das. According to SP Bhatt, Kapil fled to Port Blair by plane after committing the crime. He owns hotels in New Town and surrounding areas.
Allegations and Accusations
Das’s family has alleged that local TMC workers, loyal to a local councillor, were behind the murder. The police continue to investigate these claims to determine the full extent of involvement by various individuals.
This arrest marks a crucial step in the ongoing investigation into the tragic death of the TMC leader, highlighting the collaborative efforts of different police departments across regions.