A crucial witness in a case involving controversial former Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan was critically injured in a tragic road accident today, which resulted in the immediate deaths of his son and the car’s driver. The incident occurred just hours before the witness, identified as Bhola Ghosh, was scheduled to testify in court. While police are investigating the crash as an accident, opposition parties, particularly the BJP, have alleged it was a deliberate, politically motivated act.
Collision Claims Two Lives Near Bayarmari
The accident took place this morning near the Bayarmari petrol pump, close to Najat, as Mr. Ghosh was en route to the court to provide his statement in one of the cases against Sheikh Shahjahan.
Sources indicate a truck struck Mr. Ghosh’s car. Tragically, Mr. Ghosh’s younger son, Satyajit Ghosh, and the car’s driver, Shahanur, were killed at the scene.
Bhola Ghosh survived the crash but remains in critical condition. It is understood that he is currently unaware of the loss of his son.
Circumstances Fuel Political Controversy
The timing and nature of the incident have immediately drawn sharp political reactions, especially given the high-profile nature of the Sandeshkhali cases and recurring allegations that Shahjahan retains influence even while incarcerated.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has been vocal in suggesting the collision was premeditated. A BJP leader questioned: “Bhola was a witness against Shahjahan. He was going to court today. This was an attempt to murder him, pre-planned. How did the truck driver flee on a motorcycle after hitting the car? Where did the motorcycle come from?” The leader also raised suspicions about the truck involved, claiming its papers had been irregular for 18 months and that its EMI payment was due today.
In a brief statement given after the crash, Mr. Ghosh described the moment of impact: “We passed Bayarmari, and the lorry was going in front. Our car was moving forward. It came directly and hit my car. Then my car went into the water. I lost consciousness.”
Witness Testifying in Multiple Cases
Bhola Ghosh is a pivotal figure, not only being a key witness in a case against Shahjahan but also being a witness in an ongoing investigation by the Enforcement Directorate (ED).
Ghosh was once an associate of Shahjahan but later had a falling out over alleged unethical practices. Following the dispute, Ghosh had accused Shahjahan of vandalizing his home. Bhola Ghosh only returned to the area after Shahjahan’s eventual arrest.
A detail noted by observers and potentially a reason for his survival is a change in seating habit: on other days, Mr. Ghosh reportedly travels in the front passenger seat next to the driver. Today, he was seated in the back of the car, a decision that may have narrowly saved his life from the direct impact of the collision.
Police are continuing their investigation to determine whether the event was a routine road accident or if foul play was involved.
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