#BreakingNews: Sandeshkhali Key Witness Attacked; Son Killed in Truck Collision Just Before Court Appearance

Bholanath Ghosh, also known as Bhola Ghosh, a crucial witness in cases linked to the Sandeshkhali controversy in West Bengal, suffered critical injuries in a road accident on Wednesday. The crash, which occurred near Boyramari petrol pump in North 24 Parganas, also claimed the lives of his younger son, Satyajit Ghosh, 32, and his driver, Sahanur Molla, 27. Authorities are investigating the incident, with local eyewitnesses alleging the truck hit the car head-on and dragged it into a nearby water body.

Ghosh was en route to appear at the Basirhat sub-divisional court in connection with multiple cases filed by jailed former Trinamool Congress leader Sheikh Shahjahan. The witness has been central to investigations surrounding the attack on Enforcement Directorate officials in Sandeshkhali in January 2024 and related CBI probes implicating Shahjahan in organized criminal activities. Ghosh was initially treated at a local hospital before being transferred to a private facility in Kolkata.

Family members have alleged that the collision may have been deliberate. Ghosh’s elder son, Biswajit, claimed the incident was a targeted attempt on his father’s life, suggesting that Shahjahan orchestrated the crash from jail. Eyewitnesses described the truck traveling in the opposite direction before colliding with Ghosh’s vehicle, pushing it into a water body, while the truck driver fled the scene.

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Shahjahan, who remains in custody, has faced multiple charges ranging from land grabbing and illegal fish farming to extortion and illegal taxation. The Enforcement Directorate’s prosecution complaint, filed under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act, details how Shahjahan allegedly built a criminal empire in Sandeshkhali, exploiting political influence and armed associates to control lucrative business activities.

According to the ED investigation, over 100 witnesses, including local farmers, contractors, and fish traders, have provided statements regarding Shahjahan’s activities. The agency attached assets worth Rs 27 crore, including three SUVs, and estimated proceeds of crime at Rs 261.41 crore from fisheries, brick kilns, government contracts, and rentals linked to Shahjahan’s enterprises.

The probe traces Shahjahan’s rise from CPM affiliations in 2009-2010 to his role as sub-pradhan of Agarhati gram panchayat under Trinamool Congress in 2013. While he provided some community assistance, including medical aid and provisions, he maintained over 100 associates who allegedly intimidated residents, enforced illegal levies, and engaged in violence. Following his arrest in February 2024, Shahjahan was suspended by the Trinamool Congress for six years, and investigations into his criminal network continue.

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