Chinsurah Murder Case: Court Sentences 7 to Death in Gruesome Killing of Toto Driver Bishnu Mal

Baby Chakraborty, KalimNews, November 28, 2024, Hooghly :  In a historic and chilling verdict, the Chinsurah District Headquarters Court has sentenced seven individuals to death and another to seven years in prison for the brutal murder of Bishnu Mal, a young Toto driver from Raibede, Chinsurah. This verdict brings closure to a harrowing case that has haunted the community for four years. 

The case revolved around the gruesome killing and dismemberment of Bishnu Mal, who was abducted on October 11, 2020, by a gang led by notorious criminal Vishal Das. Bishnu’s body was cut into six pieces, which were later discovered in plastic bags at various locations. This heinous crime not only shocked Chinsurah but also drew attention to the growing menace of gang violence in the region. 

Details of the Crime 

According to police investigations, Bishnu Mal was abducted from in front of his house by Vishal Das and his gang. He was taken to a house in the Chapdani area, where he was murdered and his body was dismembered. The police launched an intensive investigation and tracked Vishal Das to Jibantala in South 24 Parganas, where he was apprehended after a dramatic shootout that left three police officers injured. Vishal’s arrest eventually led to the capture of eight other gang members implicated in the crime. 

The Trial and Sentencing 

The four-year-long trial culminated in a landmark judgment on November 28, 2024. The court convicted nine individuals of Bishnu Mal’s murder on November 25 and reserved the sentencing for today. The verdict is as follows: Death Penalty: Vishal Das (gang leader), Rajkumar Pramanik, Ratan Bepari, Vinod Das, Biplob Biswas, Ramakrishna Mandal, Rathin Singh.

Seven-Year Imprisonment: Mantu Ghosh.

Another accused, Sheikh Mintu, had turned state witness and was released earlier. 

The Criminal History of Vishal Das 

Vishal Das, described as one of the most dangerous criminals in Hooghly, has a long history of murder, extortion, and racketeering. His rise in the criminal world began years ago when he allegedly orchestrated the killing of Toton Biswas’s grandfather, establishing his dominance in the region. Vishal's notoriety grew further after a gang war in the Balagarh area, where he and others were severely injured in a shootout. After serving time in jail for his involvement in various crimes, Vishal returned to the criminal underworld, continuing his reign of terror until his arrest for Bishnu Mal's murder. 

A Victory for Justice 

This verdict is being hailed as a major win for justice in Hooghly, as it not only punishes those responsible for Bishnu Mal’s murder but also sends a strong message against organized crime. Family members of the victim expressed relief and gratitude, with Bishnu’s mother stating, “We waited for years for this day. We hope no family has to endure what we went through.” 

Community and Legal Response 

The brutal nature of the crime has sparked debates about law enforcement’s role in preventing such atrocities. Legal experts and activists are calling for stricter measures to dismantle criminal networks in the state. The court’s decision has been widely praised for its swiftness and decisiveness in delivering justice in a high-profile case. 

Conclusion 

The sentencing marks the end of a dark chapter in Chinsurah’s history while underlining the need for vigilance against the growing threat of gang violence. For the people of Hooghly, it is both a moment of justice and a stark reminder of the dangers that unchecked criminality can bring.