Mentally unstable man poisoned to death over Kali Puja donation dispute; BJP leader among accused

Raj Kumar Kundu, a mentally unstable resident of Balidoba village in Bankura’s Joypur block, allegedly died from poisoning after a confrontation with local Kali Puja organizers over donation demands. The organizers had approached his family for contributions to the village Kali Puja, which his mother paid. However, Raj Kumar reportedly later accused the organizers of demanding additional money, using offensive language toward them. This reportedly led to an altercation involving Bikas De, the Vice President of BJP’s Kotulpur Mandal 4, and three associates.

According to the complaint lodged by Raj Kumar’s family, Bikas De and his associates allegedly attacked Raj Kumar, locked him outside his house, and forcefully administered poison. Raj Kumar was found by neighbors in a critical state, reportedly foaming at the mouth, which led to suspicions of poisoning. He was initially rushed to Joypur Block Primary Health Center and subsequently transferred to Bishnupur Super Specialty Hospital for advanced treatment. Despite medical efforts, Raj Kumar succumbed to his injuries, prompting his family to file a formal police complaint against Bikas De and three others.

The Joypur police have confirmed that an investigation is underway and that they have arrested one of the suspects, Dilip De. The primary accused, Bikas De, and two others remain at large. Law enforcement authorities have been conducting search operations in surrounding areas to locate the absconding suspects. Statements from local villagers and family members are being recorded to assist in building a comprehensive case.

The incident has sparked local outrage, with Raj Kumar’s family and community members calling for stringent action against the accused. Leaders from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) in the region have joined these calls, demanding the immediate arrest and prosecution of all involved parties. BJP’s local Mandal President, Nab Chakraborty, responded to the allegations, stating that Raj Kumar had been restrained by villagers after using offensive language about the Puja donation and alleging that he consumed poison on his own in an act of suicide. The police are investigating both claims, collecting forensic evidence, and awaiting autopsy results to determine the exact cause and nature of Raj Kumar’s death.