 |
|
The attempted assassination of Sushanto Ghosh, a Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor in Kolkata, highlights the escalating political violence in West Bengal. The incident, captured on CCTV footage, unfolded on Friday evening while Ghosh was engaged in conversation with constituents. A man on a scooter, accompanied by an accomplice, approached Ghosh and aimed a 9mm pistol at him. However, the weapon jammed, preventing the would-be assassin from firing. This fortunate malfunction proved to be the councillor's salvation. The failure of the firearm underscores both the incompetence of the assailants and the sheer luck that spared Ghosh's life. The dramatic sequence of events that followed saw Ghosh, rather than fleeing, charging at the gunman. The attempted killer, struggling to remount the scooter as his accomplice sped away, lost his balance and fell. This presented an opportunity for local residents to intervene, apprehend the gunman, and subsequently hand him over to the authorities. The swift response from the community prevented the assailant from escaping and facilitated the police investigation.
The apprehended gunman, during his confrontation with the crowd, revealed that he hadn't received any financial compensation. Instead, he claimed to have been given only a photograph of the intended target and explicit orders to carry out the assassination. This admission points towards a meticulously planned operation, with a clear chain of command and potentially a far-reaching network involved. The investigation is likely to focus on identifying the individuals who commissioned the hit, their motives, and any potential connections to organized crime or rival political factions. The revelation that the gunmen were allegedly hired from Bihar raises serious questions about the cross-state implications of this political violence. The ease with which assassins can be hired from another state underlines the need for tighter inter-state cooperation and intelligence sharing between law enforcement agencies to prevent such incidents in the future. The authorities will need to thoroughly investigate the recruitment and operational methods used by the conspirators.
The incident has sent shockwaves through the political landscape of Kolkata and sparked a heated debate about the security of political figures and the rising levels of violence associated with local elections. Councillor Ghosh, while expressing his surprise at the attack, maintained that he was unaware of having any enemies who would want him dead. This statement, however, does not diminish the gravity of the situation and raises questions about potential underlying conflicts or rivalries within the TMC or with other political groups. The visit of local MP Mala Roy and MLA Javed Khan to Ghosh serves to illustrate the political significance of the event and the party's response to it. Their presence is likely aimed at both providing support to the councillor and signaling to the public that they are taking the matter seriously. The incident also raises concerns about the availability of firearms and the potential for individuals to easily acquire weapons for criminal purposes. The investigation will need to address this critical aspect of the case, examining the source of the weapon and the possibility of broader networks facilitating the illegal procurement and distribution of firearms.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the dangers faced by political figures in a climate of increasing political polarization and violence. The near-miss assassination of Sushanto Ghosh underscores the vulnerability of elected officials and demands a comprehensive response that goes beyond simply apprehending the immediate perpetrators. The investigation must uncover the individuals who orchestrated the attack, their motives, and any underlying power dynamics contributing to this surge in political violence. Furthermore, strengthening law enforcement capacity, improving intelligence gathering, and addressing the root causes of political unrest are essential to creating a safer environment for political leaders and the public at large. The incident demands a multifaceted approach that combines swift and decisive action by law enforcement with long-term strategies to promote political stability and reduce the overall levels of violence in the region. The CCTV footage of the event will be crucial evidence in the ongoing investigation, providing a detailed record of the events leading up to, during, and following the attempted assassination.
Source: TMC Leader Beats Death By Whisker As Shooter's Gun Fails To Fire - News18