Accused in Rishra Shooting Confesses to Retaliation, Claims Ties to Trinamool; Controversy Erupts Over Political Allegations

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, November 13, 2024, Hooghly: In a shocking development, Ranjan Yadav, the accused in the Rishra shooting case, has confessed to shooting a local businessman, Shamsuddin, as an act of retaliation. During interrogation, Yadav admitted that he shot Shamsuddin in response to an incident from a year ago, when the businessman allegedly assaulted his mother during a dispute. Yadav, who was arrested and presented in the Serampore court, revealed that he had been harboring this anger for a year before carrying out the attack.

Yadav’s statement to the police has sparked intense debate, particularly due to his apparent affiliation with political parties. During his arrest, Yadav openly stated, "I am a Trinamool Kari," referring to his loyalty to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC), a claim that has added a political twist to the case. His comment, made while sporting a thick mustache, was captured as he was being escorted to the police van, and there was no sign of remorse in his demeanor.

The incident unfolded when Yadav allegedly shot Shamsuddin, a local businessman, at point-blank range in a fit of rage. According to the accused, Shamsuddin had physically assaulted his mother during a confrontation a year ago. Yadav reportedly held onto this grudge, waiting for the right moment to seek revenge. "I had to do it. He beat my mother, and I could not forget it," Yadav reportedly told police.

The victim, Shamsuddin, is a well-known businessman in the Rishra area. His brother, Mohammad Nasrat, has alleged that there is a political connection behind the attack. "Trinamool has a hand in Ranjan's head," Nasrat said, hinting that the accused may have political backing. Ranjan did not deny these allegations when questioned, reinforcing the suspicion that there may be more to the case than just personal animosity.

The incident quickly took a political turn, with accusations and counter-accusations flying between local political figures. Aftab Alam, a close friend of the victim, suggested that Yadav may have been influenced by political forces. "Earlier, the accused was a member of the Bajrang Dal, and he was jailed for fighting last December. Surely someone is behind him, otherwise, how did he get a firearm?" Alam said, raising questions about how a man with a known criminal history was able to acquire a weapon.

Local political leaders have been quick to weigh in on the matter. BJP Serampore Organizing Secretary Indranil Dutta accused the Trinamool Congress of providing shelter to anti-social elements. "The Trinamool is giving shelter to these anti-social elements. They need such people to rig the vote load," Dutta alleged, suggesting that political patronage could be behind Yadav's actions.

In contrast, Shubhdeep Mukherjee, the Trinamool Youth President of the Srirampur Organizing District, vehemently denied any connection to the accused. "The claim that the accused is a Trinamool member is completely false. Trinamool has no connection with such anti-social elements," Mukherjee stated, rejecting the allegations that the party was involved in any way.

Ranjan Yadav’s political background is also being scrutinized. Sources reveal that he was once affiliated with the Bajrang Dal, a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization, and was jailed for involvement in a violent altercation in December of the previous year. This raises questions about whether his actions were influenced by extremist political ideologies, or if he had shifted allegiances in recent times.

The allegations of political connections have added fuel to an already volatile situation in the region. The controversy continues to unfold as more details emerge about the accused’s background and potential political ties.

The shooting of Shamsuddin in Rishra has not only shocked the local community but has also sparked a wider political debate. As the investigation continues, the involvement of political forces, whether directly or indirectly, remains a contentious issue. Both the ruling Trinamool Congress and the opposition BJP are embroiled in accusations, with each side blaming the other for sheltering anti-social elements. As the case progresses, it will be crucial to uncover the full truth behind the motives of the accused and whether political affiliations played any role in the incident. The community is now watching closely to see how the legal and political dimensions of the case unfold in the coming days.