21 CPM workers sentenced to rigorous life imprisonment

Arambagh, Nov 19 (UNI) Altogether 21 CPI(M) activists, convicted in the murder of party leader Johur Ali, were awarded rigorous life imprisonment by a fast track court here today.

Additional District and Sessions Judge of Arambagh Sub-Divisional Court Gautam Sengupta sentenced Asgar Ali, the prime accused, and 20 others to rigorous life imprisonment.

Public Prosecutor Abdul Shamad informed that CPI(M) worker Asgar Ali, along with 20 of his associates, murdered Johur Ali at Bulundi village under Arambagh police station on May 25, 2006. Their motive was said to be intra-party rivalry.

Later, police arrested Asgar Ali and 20 others.

The statements of 20 witnesses were recorded in the case and the fast track court pronounced the verdict of rigorous life imprisonment.

Defence counsel Swapan Ghosh said they would appeal against the judgement in a higher court.

UNI XC DPM PL PD DS1501