Bengal's Murshidabad Violence: 13 Named In Chargesheet For Father-Son Murder; No 'Outsiders'

Last Updated:June 08, 2025, 00:03 IST

The chargesheet was filed in connection with the killings of Harogobinda Das and his son, Chandan Das, on April 11, and it makes no mention of any outsider involvement

Demonstrations during a protest against the Waqf (Amendment) Act in Murshidabad turned violent. (File image: PTI)

In a significant development in a Murshidabad communal violence case, police have filed a chargesheet concerning the brutal murder of Harogobinda Das and his son, Chandan Das. The incident, which took place on April 11 during widespread clashes in Dhuliyan and Suti, left the region tense for several days.

Thirteen individuals, all residents of nearby areas, have been named in the chargesheet. Their names and addresses have been mentioned. All of them are from the Samsergunj police station area. Notably, the chargesheet makes no mention of any outsider involvement, contrary to earlier speculation. The charges include rioting, dacoity, mob lynching, and murder—all supported by substantial evidence, including CCTV footage.

Speaking to News18, an investigating officer said, “Our main objective is to ensure conviction. We have gathered strong scientific and digital evidence that clearly links the accused to the crime. We believe this will lead to conviction very soon."

West Bengal’s ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) has several times made the claim that outsiders were involved in the violence. BJP leader Locket Chatterjee said, “The chargesheet by the police itself has given details of the accused. All of them are from the Samsergunj police station area. Then, how does TMC’s outsiders theory stand? This proves everything."

The chargesheet was submitted within 55 days of the incident, with police emphasising their reliance on forensic and technological evidence to build a robust case. Investigators reportedly reviewed extensive CCTV footage from the area, which they claim clearly places the accused at the scene of the crime.

Harogobinda and Chandan Das were attacked and killed amid escalating communal tension. While the initial protest was reportedly against anti-waqf actions, multiple FIRs and local testimonies suggest the violence was heavily targeted against a particular community.

The unrest on April 10-11 affected multiple areas across Jangipur, Samserganj, and Dhuliyan. More than 113 houses were ransacked, and several temples were desecrated. “Nothing was left untouched," a local resident told News18, describing the extent of the damage.

A three-member fact-finding team that visited the affected areas made several revelations, including the alleged presence of a local Trinamool Congress leader during the violence. Though this chargesheet specifically pertains to the murder of the father and son, police sources confirm that more chargesheets are forthcoming as investigations continue.

So far, over 300 people have been arrested, and nearly 60 FIRs have been registered in connection with the communal clashes. Police sources told News18 they are confident of a strong legal outcome in the murder case and expect swift convictions.

Kamalika Sengupta

Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar...Read More

Kamalika Sengupta, Editor, Digital East of News18, is a multilingual journalist with 16 years of experience in covering the northeast, with specialisation in politics and defence. She has won UNICEF Laadli Awar...

Read More

Location :

First Published:

News india Bengal's Murshidabad Violence: 13 Named In Chargesheet For Father-Son Murder; No 'Outsiders'