Arrest of Iqbal Khan: Prime Accused in Attack on TMC Councillor Sushanta Ghosh

The main suspect in the attack on a TMC leader in Kolkata was apprehended in West Bengal's Purba Bardhaman district. The arrest occurred on Saturday as the suspect attempted to flee to Jharkhand, according to police reports. Identified as Iqbal, also known as Afroz Khan or Gulzar, he is linked to a businessman close to Ghosh. The attack was reportedly driven by a land dispute.

Police intercepted Iqbal at a checkpoint in Galsi after receiving a tip-off about his escape plan via the Durgapur Expressway. While in custody, Iqbal initially identified himself as Gulzar, possibly to mislead investigators. Authorities believe Iqbal orchestrated the entire plot against Ghosh, with initial investigations indicating that he hails from the same locality as the TMC leader.

Investigation and Arrests

The attack on Sushanta Ghosh was narrowly avoided when Yuvraj Singh's gun malfunctioned. Singh, along with another assailant, had traveled to Kasba intending to kill Ghosh, a councillor for Ward 108 of the Kolkata Municipal Corporation. During questioning, Singh claimed they were hired by Iqbal to carry out the murder due to a land encroachment issue involving Hyder Ali.

Police arrested a taxi driver named Ahmed earlier in connection with the crime. Investigations revealed Ahmed drove Singh and Iqbal from Babughat to Lake Town the night before the attack. Kolkata Police Commissioner Manoj Verma confirmed two arrests had been made and stated further actions were underway.

Conspiracy and Motives

Authorities suspect a larger conspiracy may be at play, potentially involving insiders. A person from Bihar, who had been gathering information on Ghosh for months, might also be implicated. Iqbal allegedly contacted Singh and promised him Rs 10,000 for the murder. He provided Singh with accommodation in Lake Town and supplied the firearm used in the attempt.

Yuvraj Singh admitted he was shown a photograph of Ghosh and instructed to kill him for Rs 10,000. Both Singh and Ahmed have been remanded in police custody until November 29. Police are reviewing CCTV footage from areas around Ghosh's residence to gather more evidence.

Political Reactions

Kolkata Mayor Firhad Hakim criticised the police response to increasing criminal activities. "Enough is enough," he stated, emphasising that criminal culture from other states should not infiltrate Bengal. He urged police to act decisively against illegal firearms entering the state despite repeated warnings from Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.

Sushanta Ghosh expressed shock over the incident but vowed not to be intimidated. "Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee and Abhishek Banerjee called me to inquire about the incident," he said. Despite considering leaving politics, support from his family and party encouraged him to continue his political journey.

In response to the incident, police have increased security around Ghosh's residence. Authorities are determined to uncover any potential insider involvement and ensure justice is served in this case.