A 49-year-old Trinamool Congress leader from Ashoknagar in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district was fatally shot by a group of men after a heated dispute over a land transaction, according to local police reports on Monday.

The victim, identified as Bijan Das, a prominent figure within the TMC, was tragically gunned down while visiting a fellow party member’s residence.

Das, who also served as the deputy head of Guma 1 panchayat, sustained two gunshot wounds at close range, with one bullet striking his head and the other piercing his left ear, as revealed by a police spokesperson.

“Upon arrival at Barasat Medical College and Hospital, Das was pronounced dead on arrival. The perpetrators are currently on the run, and a thorough investigation is underway,” stated the police official to PTI.

Barasat MP Kakali Ghosh Dastidar, who visited the hospital, expressed deep sorrow over the incident, describing it as a “tragic loss”.

Ghosh Dastidar further remarked, “Bijan’s untimely demise is a significant blow to the party. He initiated his political journey through student activism and remained a steadfast member ever since. The authorities are diligently probing the circumstances surrounding this case,” Ghosh Dastidar added.

(This article has been sourced from a syndicated news agency feed and has not been altered by News18 staff – PTI)