Kolkata/New Delhi: Bengal’s political violence has witnessed an interesting turn with ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Shrishti Dhar Mahato’s son Sandip Mahato arrested by the State’s Criminal Investigative Department (CID) in connection with the murder of BJP leader Trolochan Mahato.

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The BJP leader was found hanging from a tree on May 30 this year in Balarampur village in Purulia district of Bengal. The incident sparked off a political war between the TMC and BJP. The BJP alleged TMC was behind the murder, which the latter had denied at that point in time. But with this arrest, the TMC is left red faced.

Sandip’s father is not only a former Zila Parishad executive but also a tall leader of TMC from the area. Sandip was arrested from a rented house in Purulia town while the other TMC worker Jagbandhu Mahato was arrested from the Supurdih village of Balrampur by the CID. Both were produced before the Purulia district court from where they have been sent to 9 days’ police custody.

The two accused have been booked serious charges of abduction, murder, conspiracy and tampering with evidence.

After Trilochan’s murder, the BJP launched a month-long agitation demanding a CBI probe after which the investigation was handed over to the CID. Purulia being a politically sensitive state, the arrest of this TMC leader’s son in connection with a BJP leader’s murder can prove costly for the ruling party in the State.