TMC councillor Sushanta Ghosh targeted in planned shooting; Police detain key suspects

TMC councillor and borough chairman Sushanta Ghosh narrowly escaped an assassination attempt on Friday evening outside his residence in Kasba, Kolkata. The incident occurred when two assailants attempted to shoot him while he was seated in front of his house around 7 PM. Ghosh was not accompanied by his usual security personnel at the time, as he follows a routine where his guards are off-duty during this time. Police suspect that the attackers had conducted prior surveillance on Ghosh’s routine, enabling them to target him during a vulnerable moment.

According to reports, Ghosh’s two security personnel had followed their usual schedule. One guard had the day off, while the other left at 7 PM after completing his shift. Ghosh, who often meets locals and political figures in the cafeteria located on the ground floor of his residence, typically does not have security during these casual evening meetings. On Friday, he was sitting alone with two others when the assailants approached, and seeing the additional presence, they hesitated and did not fire immediately. Ghosh’s quick reaction and the presence of others likely prevented the attack from escalating further.

After the attack, Kolkata Police increased Ghosh’s security by assigning two additional guards to protect him. Authorities also detained a taxi driver who allegedly drove the attackers through the area multiple times in the days leading up to the incident. The driver is being questioned to determine the attackers' movements and whether he was involved in planning or facilitating the attack. Police are also trying to confirm whether the attackers had any prior connection to Ghosh or had been hired for the specific purpose of carrying out the assault.

The police investigation led to the arrest of a suspect, initially identified as Mohammad Iqbal, whose real name was later revealed to be Yuvraj Singh. Singh, according to police sources, had been actively involved in arranging accommodation for the attackers in Kolkata, specifically near the Kolkata port and along the Eastern Metropolitan Bypass. Singh reportedly provided the assailants with ₹2,500 in advance and a scooter to use for the operation. Police believe that the attackers conducted a recce of Ghosh’s movements prior to the attack, which allowed them to strike when he was most vulnerable.

Further investigation revealed that the assailants had planned to intimidate Ghosh first and then carry out the shooting. However, upon noticing that Ghosh was not alone, they hesitated, leading to their failure to execute the attack. Police are continuing to interrogate Singh and other suspects connected to the incident. Additionally, the weapon used in the attack is being traced, and police are working to determine its source. Authorities are also looking into the possibility of a broader conspiracy or political motives behind the attempted shooting, although no clear motive has been established so far.

As part of the ongoing investigation, police are reviewing CCTV footage from the area and questioning other individuals involved in the case. The authorities are committed to identifying all those responsible for the attack and ensuring that they face legal action. Ghosh, who has been in the public eye for his political role, has not made any public statements regarding the attack, but his security measures have been strengthened. Police have assured that they are doing everything possible to bring the culprits to justice.