TMC suspends councillor after elderly man dies in alleged assault over illegal construction

An 81-year-old man , Tulsi Adhikari , died in North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal after a violent confrontation over an alleged illegal construction dispute, prompting the arrest and suspension of a local councillor as the investigation continues. According to the family’s complaint, Adhikari had been protesting unauthorised construction in front of his home in Ward No. 23 , North Barrackpore , for several days. Tensions escalated on February 8 when Rabindranath Bhattacharya , a councillor of North Barrackpore Municipality , arrived at the site and a heated exchange ensued. The family alleged that Bhattacharya physically assaulted the elderly man, including punching and kicking him, causing Adhikari to collapse. He was rushed to Jagadish Chandra Bose Hospital , where doctors declared him dead.

Police registered a case of unnatural death and, based on preliminary findings and witness statements, arrested Bhattacharya on assault charges . The councillor has been remanded to police custody and is expected to be produced before a local court. Authorities have sent Adhikari’s body for a post-mortem examination to determine the exact cause of death, and further charges may be added depending on forensic evidence . Investigators are reviewing CCTV footage , recording statements from local residents, and collecting physical evidence to piece together the sequence of events.

Bhattacharya has denied the allegations, describing them as “baseless and politically motivated,” and claimed he was attacked first by the deceased and his son, asserting that CCTV footage would support his version. In response, the Trinamool Congress suspended him from the party for six years , stating it would not shield anyone found guilty of wrongdoing. The incident has sparked local protests , with residents demanding strict action, while former Barrackpore MP Arjun Singh alleged political pressure—an accusation denied by the administration. Police said the investigation is ongoing , and further legal action will depend on medical and forensic findings.