Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, February 12, 2025, Kolkata : In an alarming turn of events in Birbhum, two factions of the Trinamool Congress (TMC) clashed on Tuesday, resulting in serious injuries to a party worker. The confrontation, which took place in Jamalpur, Kankartala, was linked to a longstanding dispute over control of the illegal sand mining business along the Ajay River. The incident involved bomb explosions between rival groups, leaving Sheikh Saktar Ali severely injured, with his right leg amputated as a result. His brother, Babu Sheikh, also sustained splinter injuries.
In the wake of the violence, Kankartala Police Station Officer-in-Charge (OC) Purnendubikash Das was removed from his duties on Wednesday, less than 24 hours after the clash, and has been confined to the barracks until further orders. His replacement, Dubrajpur Circle Inspector Subhasish Haldar, has been tasked with overseeing the Kankartala police station on an interim basis. District Superintendent of Police Amandeep has made it clear that maintaining law and order in the area is of utmost importance.
The clash, which involved explosive devices allegedly fired between two rival groups fighting for control over the illegal sand mining operations, has raised concerns about the deepening power struggle within the ruling TMC. According to sources involved in the investigation, the dispute centers around two local leaders, Kest and Kajal Sheikh, who are believed to have orchestrated the violence.
By Wednesday afternoon, a total of nine individuals, including Swapan Sen, a TMC member from the Khayrasole community block unit, had been arrested. All nine suspects will be presented before the Dubrajpur court. Investigations are ongoing, with authorities focusing on those directly responsible for the bombings. However, concerns persist as the two main leaders, despite their involvement in the violence, remain under the protection of the government.
BJP legislator from Dubrajpur, Anup Saha, has stated that the clash was a result of an ongoing rivalry between two factions of the TMC fighting for dominance over the illegal sand trade. Saha’s remarks suggest that the incident was a direct consequence of internal party strife, which has spilled over into violent confrontations.
In contrast, Moloy Mukherjee, the vice-president of the TMC’s district unit, dismissed the allegations, asserting that the clash had no connection to the party’s internal divisions. Mukherjee emphasized that the TMC does not condone such actions and assured that law enforcement is taking decisive action against those involved. “Nobody will be spared,” he said.
The situation in Birbhum has drawn attention to the growing issue of illegal sand mining in the region and the violent conflicts that often arise over control of this lucrative business. As investigations continue, the authorities face mounting pressure to address the underlying issues and prevent further escalation of violence in the area.
