Violent killing of party veteran and his son revives concerns over West Bengal’s security

In a brutal episode that has rattled the political landscape of West Bengal, Congress senior leader Anisur Rahman and his 12‑year‑old son Abu Sofian were slain near Nakshipara underpass in Nadia on August 16. According to eyewitnesses, the duo was ambushed while returning home; gunfire riddled their car followed by a knife‑attack that ensured their deaths.

The vehicle, now in police custody, displayed multiple bullet impacts. The state's police force has launched a case, yet opposition voices are already leveraging the tragedy to challenge the ruling party's governance record.

Meenakshi Mukherjee of CPI(M) asserted that the state's law‑and‑order scenario has not improved, citing persistent murders, extortion, misogyny, and corruption despite a new administration taking charge three months prior.

Congress MP Pooja Roy Chowdhury described the incident as a professional contract killing, noting that medical examinations revealed 13 bullets hit the father and 12 struck the son. She demanded the arrest of a Trinamool figure she claims is linked to the crime.

Former Congress chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury called for a transparent investigation, urging that those responsible receive the “strictest punishment” to restore public confidence.

Party workers across the state have pledged to observe a "black day" in solidarity, accusing the government of suppressing minority and opposition voices. Some claim the murder was orchestrated from prison by Trinamool leader Zubbar Sheikh, who allegedly directed goons to assert control over the area.

Senior police officer Surjit Kumar of Krishnanagar district confirmed that a comprehensive probe is underway and refrained from providing additional details pending further findings.