TMC worker’s son dies, kin say ‘murdered by BJP men’

Kalyani: The 24-year-old son of a former Trinamool panchayat pradhan was allegedly beaten in Nadia's Gayeshpur last week and he succumbed to his injuries four days later on Sunday, triggering claims of post-poll violence.The deceased was identified as Papai Sarkar, a resident of Kuliapat Thakurbari. Neighbours said the youth was not known to be actively involved in politics.His parents, Samir and Shiuli, both active TMC workers, claimed Papai was attacked on the street last Wednesday though he managed to flee and returned home. The same evening, he stepped out on his motorcycle. Shortly afterwards, Papai's family was informed that he was lying unconscious by the roadside. Papai was first taken to Kalyani Medical College and Hospital and later shifted to a hospital in Kolkata. He died on Sunday.Samir, who works in a factory in Gayeshpur, alleged that his son was targeted for political reasons and accused BJP supporters of attempting to portray the incident as a road accident. "BJP tried to pass off my son's murder as an accident by leaving him beaten by the roadside," he alleged.The grieving family claimed that they were receiving threats since the assembly election results were declared. Samir also pointed out that the motorcycle had no visible damage and there were no typical accident injuries on Papai's body.The family lodged a police complaint on Monday. Ranaghat SP Ashish Maurya said an investigation was underway.The local BJP leadership has denied the allegations.