TMC leader Hemanta Pal arrested for allegedly murdering Debasish Ash in Bengal's Arambagh

Hemanta Pal, a local Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader and president of Ward No. 4 in Arambagh, Hooghly district, was arrested on Wednesday for the alleged murder of 32-year-old Debasish Ash. The incident unfolded late Tuesday night following a confrontation that arose when Ash's nephew, Sayan, challenged Pal's drunken behavior in public. Witnesses reported that the argument escalated as Pal and two associates, Achintya and Swarnadeep Pratihara, began assaulting Sayan.

When Debasish Ash intervened to defend his nephew, Pal allegedly struck him with an iron rod, leaving him critically injured. Despite being rushed to Arambagh Medical College, Ash was pronounced dead upon arrival. The brutal incident has incited protests among local residents, who are demanding justice for Ash and condemning political violence. A significant police presence was dispatched to the area to maintain order amid the unrest.

In light of the situation, TMC officials have distanced themselves from Pal, emphasizing that the party will not shield him from legal consequences. Ramendu Sinha Roy, the TMC's District President, acknowledged that the altercation was fueled by alcohol and confirmed that Ash was a party supporter. Meanwhile, BJP leaders have condemned the incident, with Biman Ghosh, president of the BJP's Arambagh organization, labeling it as a demonstration of "Trinamool terror" and calling for severe punishment for those involved.