Bengal BJP worker's body exhumed five years after poll violence death

The body of Astik Chandra Das from Jhanjhaniya village was exhumed in Sandeshkhali, a coastal region in North 24 Parganas district, following a legal petition seeking to investigate the circumstances of his death. According to allegations, Das was attacked by supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress party on the day results of the 2021 West Bengal Assembly elections were announced, succumbing to his injuries.

The exhumation comes as part of efforts to gather forensic evidence and determine the exact cause of death, which had remained contested since the incident occurred five years ago. The BJP has consistently maintained that Das fell victim to post-election violence perpetrated by party rivals in the state.

Sandeshkhali has witnessed significant political tensions over the years, with reports of violence during and after election campaigns. The region has been a focal point of political contestation between the BJP and the Trinamool Congress, particularly during state-level electoral contests.

Authorities are expected to conduct a detailed post-mortem examination and forensic analysis of the recovered remains to establish a definitive cause of death. The case highlights continuing concerns about political violence and the need for accountability in electoral disputes across West Bengal.