Ziaul Sheikh aka Jiaul Sheikh, one of the prime accused in the recent double murder in West Bengal’s violence-hit Murshidabad district was arrested on Saturday, police confirmed. “Ziaul Sheikh, a key conspirator who was directly involved in the murder case was arrested from Uttar Dinajpur. He is a resident of Sigri village near Jafrabad and fled after the incident,” said a senior police official.
This is the fourth arrest in connection with the murder of a father and son in Jafrabad village, Shamsherganj, amid communal unrest over Waqf protests earlier this month.
On April 11, Harogobindo Das (70) and his son Chandan Das were murdered by a mob in Jafrabad under Samsergunj police station, during the communal violence. Three people namely Kalu Nadar, Dildar, and Inzmam Ul Haque have already been arrested in connection with the double murder case.
Meanwhile, the victims’ family has refused to accept Rs 10 lakh compensation announced by Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Who is Ziaul Sheikh?
Murder accused Ziaul Sheikh is a resident of Murshidabad’s Sigri village. Sheikh had been absconding since April 12, a day after the murder. He was nabbed from Chopra in Uttar Dinajpur district on Saturday through a joint operation by the West Bengal Police Special Task Force (STF) and Special Investigating Team (SIT).
“This person is one of the prime accused who instigated a mob that vandalised the victims’ residence and killed Haragobindo Das and his son Chandan Das,” a senior police official said. CCTV footage and mobile tower record have confirmed Ziaul Sheikh’s presence at the crime scene at the time of the murder.
Victims’ family refuses compensation
Family of deceased Harogobindo Das (70) and his son Chandan Das have refused to accept the compensation offered by the state government saying they want justice instead.
“We will not accept the compensation. Will that money bring my husband or my father-in-law back?” Chandan Das’ wife Pinki Das told media.
On Sunday, a Trinamool Congress delegation including Rajya Sabha MP Samirul Islam, Jangipur Lok Sabha MP Khalilur Rehman and Samsergunj TMC MLA Amirul Islam visited the house of the victims.
“We have spoken with them. We will stand by them. They will accept compensation later. Those who are doing politics must remember that such political persons will not stay with the family for long. It is the local people and leadership who will stand by them,” said Samirul Islam while speaking with the media persons after meeting the victims’ family.
Over 100 FIRs lodged in Murshidabad violence
Police said over 100 FIRs have been lodged related to the Murshidabad violence, with 276 people arrested so far. The violence erupted on April 11 during protests against the Waqf (Amendment) Act, leaving three dead and hundreds displaced.
West Bengal Governor visits affected areas
Recently, West Bengal Governor CV Ananda Bose visited the affected district Murshidabad and adjoining Malda where the displaced families have taken refuge.
“I met the homeless people at the camp. They are still scared and have requested permanent protection from the Border Security Force. They were assaulted and now seek justice. Peace and harmony must be restored in these areas,” the Governor said.
He further added, “This kind of violence and unrest is never acceptable. Ground-level efforts to restore normalcy are already underway.”
