Potato trader beaten to death, son injured over parking dispute in Hooghly

Tension has gripped the Panchgachia area of Tarakeswar in Hooghly district after the brutal murder of 60-year-old potato trader Rakhal Chandra Ghosh on Saturday night. The incident has sparked outrage among locals, who are demanding swift action against the perpetrators.

According to reports, Rakhal was returning home with his son, Tanmoy Ghosh, in a van after purchasing potatoes from farmers. As they were parking their vehicle, an argument broke out with a group of local youths over parking space. The verbal dispute quickly escalated into violence when the youths attacked Rakhal with an iron rod, leaving him critically injured. His son, Tanmoy, was also assaulted but survived the attack.

Rakhal was immediately rushed to Udaynarayanpur State General Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. The tragic incident has left the local community in shock and mourning. On Sunday, angry villagers staged protests, demanding the immediate arrest of the accused and strict punishment. Some also appealed to the police, urging them to arrange employment or land for Tanmoy Ghosh to support his family.

In response to the growing unrest, additional police personnel were deployed in the area. Hooghly Rural Additional Superintendent of Police (SP) Krishnu Roy, along with officers from multiple police stations, arrived at the scene to pacify the situation and begin an investigation.

According to police sources, preliminary findings indicate that five youths were involved in the attack. Additional SP Krishnu Roy stated that the dispute stemmed from a conflict over potato storage. He confirmed that all accused individuals have been identified and will be arrested soon. Authorities are also considering the family's request for financial assistance.