Congress Leader and Son Shot Dead in West Bengal While Returning Home

A senior Congress leader and his 24-year-old son were shot dead in West Bengal's Nadia district on Saturday evening, an incident that has triggered tension in the area. The two were returning home in a car when unidentified men allegedly opened fire near the Nagadi railway gate in Bethuadahari, according to the police.

The deceased have been identified as Anisur Rahman, 50, a member of the Bengal Congress Committee and general secretary of the Nadia District Congress Committee, and his son Abu Sufiyan. Both died at the spot, the police said.

Preliminary reports suggest that the attackers first opened fire on the vehicle and then assaulted the occupants with sharp weapons. The police have registered a case and launched an investigation. A search is underway for the accused, and no arrests have been made so far.

Rahman was a prominent Congress functionary in the Nakashipara area. He had been handling various organisational responsibilities for the party for a long time and was well known among local party workers and residents.

The attack took place on Independence Day, which has added to the gravity of the incident. The news of the killing spread quickly, leading to a gathering of local residents and party workers near the scene. Additional police personnel have been deployed in the area to maintain order, officials said.

Congress leader Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, a former Member of Parliament, condemned the attack and demanded a fair and impartial investigation. In a Facebook post, he said, "I strongly condemn and denounce the murder of Anisur Rahman, a Congress leader from Nadia, and his son in the most severe language. This government has come to power with the slogans of 'Fear Out, Trust In,' and such heinous incidents on Independence Day raise several questions about people's safety and the right to freely engage in politics."

The police have not yet indicated any specific motive for the killing. Investigators are examining the crime scene and collecting evidence, including from the car used by the victims. They have also appealed to the public to share any information that could help identify the attackers.

Political violence has been a concern in West Bengal, with periodic clashes reported from various districts. However, the police have said that all possible angles, including personal enmity and political rivalry, are being probed. The district administration has assured that the situation is under control and that a thorough investigation will be carried out.

Leaders across parties have expressed shock over the incident, and local residents have demanded swift action against the culprits. The police have said that additional forces have been stationed in sensitive areas to prevent any further escalation.