BJP booth-level worker allegedly shot dead in West Bengal's Birbhum, police probe underway

A 46-year-old booth-level BJP worker was allegedly shot dead in the Trishulapatty locality of Bolpur in West Bengal's Birbhum district on Sunday evening, police said.

The deceased has been identified as Chandan Bhalla. Birbhum superintendent of police Vidit Raj Bhundesh said preliminary findings indicated that Bhalla appeared to have died from a gunshot injury. The exact cause of death will be established after the post-mortem examination, he said.

Family says Bhalla left home after phone call

According to Bhalla's family members, he received a call from an unidentified person before leaving his home. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the killing and are working to identify those responsible.

Other reports said Bhalla was the BJP booth president for the area and that two motorcycle-borne assailants allegedly approached him before fleeing after the shooting. Police are examining CCTV footage and collecting forensic evidence as part of the investigation.

The reports also said Bhalla was taken to Bolpur Sub-Divisional Hospital, where doctors declared him dead. However, police have not yet established the motive behind the killing. Investigators are examining whether the incident was politically motivated or stemmed from personal enmity.

BJP seeks swift police action

Shyamapada Mondal, president of the BJP's Bolpur organisational district, described Bhalla as an "old and active worker" of the party.

"It is very unfortunate that our party worker has been shot dead. We want the police administration to act within 24 hours," Mondal said.

A separate report quoted Bhalla's family as alleging a political motive, including suspicion of involvement by BJP workers from the Nanoor area. The allegation has not been established, and police are investigating all possible angles.

Police said further investigation is underway to trace the culprits and determine the circumstances of the killing.