States » EastPosted at: Oct 26 2026 7:31PM


Bengal: Manish Shukla murder accused seen at BJP events; Barrakpore MLA Kaustav Bagchi threatens self-immolation

Kolkata, Oct 26 (UNI) Political tensions have surfaced within the BJP in West Bengal after two persons accused in the 2020 murder of saffron party leader and lawyer Manish Shukla were allegedly seen at BJP platforms, prompting Barrackpore MLA Kaustav Bagchi to issue a strong warning against their entry into the party.
Addressing a Press conference, Bagchi threatened to set himself on fire in front of the BJP's state headquarters if the two accused were inducted into the party. He also threatened to pursue legal action against them over their alleged involvement in the murder.
Shukla was shot dead at point-blank range outside the BJP office in Titagarh in 2020. The killing sent shockwaves through the political circles of Bengal. The investigation reportedly indicated that contract killers had been engaged to carry out the murder.
The names of Uttam Das, the then chairman of the Barrackpore municipality, and Prashanta Chowdhury, a former chairman of the Titagarh municipality, subsequently surfaced in connection with the case. The victim's father explicitly listed both of them in the primary police complaint (FIR) filed immediately after the murder on October 4, 2020.
Bagchi alleged that the two had escaped punishment because they were associated with the ruling camp at the time. Following the change of government in the state, he claimed, the duo were now attempting to switch political allegiance and had been seen in the company of BJP leaders.
"Some of our people are being seen with those accused of murdering Manish Shukla," Bagchi said, expressing his displeasure over their alleged proximity to party leaders.
"I will not allow Uttam and Prashanta to join the BJP. If necessary, I will pour kerosene over myself and set myself on fire in front of the BJP's state office," he declared.
Seeking to underline his political convictions, Bagchi recalled his decision to keep his head shaved for three-and-a-half years as a pledge that he would not grow his hair until the Mamata Banerjee government was voted out of power.
"Everyone knows about my political determination. Many people mocked me, but I stood by my word," he said.
Bagchi did not specifically name any BJP leader whom he accused of facilitating the alleged rapprochement.
His remarks, however, drew a response from senior BJP leader Arjun Singh, who said, "I know how to do politics."
The controversy has triggered fresh questions within the BJP over the possible induction of leaders linked to politically sensitive criminal cases.
Bagchi reiterated that he would resist any such move and pursue the matter through legal channels.
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Tags: #Bengal: Manish Shukla murder accused seen at BJP events; Barrakpore MLA Kaustav Bagchi threatens self-immolation
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