Kolkata, 10 December (H.S.) :

In a shocking incident, two persons were killed and one critically injured after a truck rammed into a car carrying a key witness who was on his way to testify against Sheikh Shahjahan — the alleged “uncrowned king” of crime in Sandeshkhali operating under political protection.

The deceased have been identified as Satyajit Ghosh, son of the witness Bhola Ghosh, and driver Shahnur Molla. Bhola Ghosh, who sustained grievous injuries, has been admitted to a hospital in critical condition.

According to police sources, the accident occurred on Wednesday morning near a petrol pump at Bairmari along the Basanti Highway. Bhola Ghosh, his son, and the driver were travelling to the Basirhat sub-divisional court when their car was hit from behind by a speeding truck. The impact caused the car to overturn and fall into a roadside drain.

Local residents rushed to rescue the three and took them to a nearby hospital. Bhola was initially admitted to Minakhan Rural Hospital, but later referred to Kolkata as his condition deteriorated. His condition remains critical.

Police sources revealed that Bhola Ghosh had an ongoing financial dispute with Sheikh Shahjahan over a fish trade deal. In 2022, Shahjahan had issued a cheque of Rs 20 lakh, which later bounced. Following this, Bhola lodged a case against Shahjahan in the Basirhat court, to which Shahjahan retaliated by filing a counter-case. Bhola and his son were scheduled to appear in court on Wednesday in connection with the same matter.

After the crash, officers from the Najat police station reached the spot, but the truck driver managed to flee. Police said that all angles are being investigated, including whether the incident was an accident or part of a larger conspiracy.

It may be recalled that in January last year, an Enforcement Directorate (ED) team was attacked during a raid at Sheikh Shahjahan’s residence in connection with the ration scam investigation. Shahjahan was later arrested by the state police on charges of violence and sexual assault and remains in judicial custody.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh