Body of deceased BJP worker exhumed after five years, major step in post-election violence case in Sandeshkhali

**Sandeshkhali:** The police have begun an investigation by exhuming the body of a senior BJP worker, who was allegedly murdered in post-election violence following the 2021 assembly elections, five years later. The body was exhumed from the grave in the presence of a magistrate in the Sandeshkhali area of Basirhat subdivision in North 24 Parganas. Investigators are now focused on whether the cause of death and the true facts of the incident will come to light through autopsy and forensic examination.

The deceased BJP worker's name is **Astik Chandra Das**. The family alleges that during the post-election violence in 2021, he was beaten in the Jhajhania area of Kalinagar in the Naihati police station of Sandeshkhali-1 block. They claim that there was also obstruction in taking him to the hospital in a seriously injured condition. He later died at home.

The family further alleges that when they went to file a written complaint with the police after the incident, their complaint was not accepted. They also claim that the autopsy of the body was not allowed. They assert that they were later forced to bury the body under threats.

After the political change in the state, the family of the deceased filed a written complaint at the police station demanding a re-investigation of the incident. Based on that complaint, the decision was made to exhume Astik Chandra Das's body from the grave after five long years.

On Sunday, the body was dug up in the presence of a magistrate. Police officials, doctors, and forensic department officials were present at the scene. The body will be sent for autopsy. Additionally, it has been reported that necessary information will also be collected through forensic examination.

It is crucial for investigators to determine how much information can be obtained from the autopsy and forensic examination of the body buried five years ago. The report of that examination may clarify whether any evidence aligns with the true cause of death and the family's allegations.

This incident, which has come under investigation after a long time, has created new excitement in Sandeshkhali. It remains to be seen whether any new information will emerge in this case of post-election violence from 2021 when the autopsy and forensic report is made public.