Kolkata: The investigation into the death of Debendra Nath Ray, MLA of West Dinajpur District, North Bengal Assembly has been handed over to CID. In this case, a shutdown has also been announced in the northern districts of the state. Ray was found dead near his home on Monday under suspicious circumstances. His family and the BJP had claimed the “murder” of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) responsible for it. Police said that the body of Debendra Nath Ray was found hanging from the roof of a verandah outside a shop near his house in the Bindal village of Hemtabad area of the district. He was about 65 years old.
West Bengal Police said that a suicide note was found in his shirt pocket in which he accused two people for his death. Ray had won the assembly elections on a CPI-M ticket from the seat reserved for the Scheduled Castes of Hemtabad, but he joined the BJP after the Lok Sabha elections last year. However, he did not resign from the CPI (M) as an MLA.
Family expressed fear of murder, demand for CBI inquiry
A senior district police official said that Ray’s body was found hanging near a closed shop in Hemtabad area on Monday morning. He said that the police has started investigation in the case and the forensic team has reached the spot. The dead body has been sent for post-mortem. The family of the BJP leader has expressed apprehension of killing, demanding a CBI inquiry into the case. A family member said, “We think it is murder. It should be investigated by CBI. “
In West Bengal, BJP’s central observer Kailash Vijayvargiya has said, “We have demanded a CBI inquiry. We will meet the Home Minister tomorrow. If the President gives time, we will tell him about the chaos in West Bengal.”
BJP’s charge – ‘TMC goons killed’
The case of Ray’s death seems to be catching on, and the BJP has called for a 12-hour shutdown in North Dinajpur district from 6 am on Tuesday, calling it a “murder by TMC goons”. BJP national president JP Nadda called the incident a “suspected heinous murder” and alleged that it reflected the “failure of Gundaraj and the law and order machinery” under the leadership of Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
He tweeted, “The suspected heinous murder of BJP MLA Debendra Nath Ray from Hemtabad in West Bengal is extremely shocking and condemnable. This shows the failure of Gundaraj and law and order in the Mamta government. People will not forgive this government in future. We strongly condemn it. “
Dilip Ghosh said, ‘Mamta Banerjee should issue a statement on the planned murder’
BJP state president Dilip Ghosh said that Mamta Banerjee, who also holds the charge of the home ministry, should issue a statement on this “well thought out murder”. He said, “This is a heinous murder committed by Trinamool Congress goons. Trinamool Ray was worried about the popularity in the area. We want an independent inquiry into the matter to bring out the truth. You can understand the law and order of the state very well, when the MLA is not the only security. “
Governor said, ‘Political violence and vengeance does not seem to be decreasing’
Governor Jagdeep Dhankhar, who is often accused by the ruling TMC of being “BJP’s agent in Raj Bhavan”, said that political violence and reprisals continued in the state. He tweeted, “Political violence and vengeance does not seem to be diminishing under Mamata Banerjee’s rule. The death of MLA Debendra Nath Ray from Hemtabad in North Dinajpur district raises many serious charges, including murder. A comprehensive impartial investigation is needed to uncover the truth and weaken political violence. ”
Police insisted – prima facie case of suicide
The police, however, insisted that prima facie it seemed a case of suicide. The state police said on its Twitter handle, “This morning the body of Hembat MLA Debendra Nath Ray was found hanging from the roof of the verandah outside a mobile shop in Ballia, Deben Mor in Raiganj, North Dinajpur. A suicide note has been found in the shirt pocket of the deceased. It has held two people responsible for the death. “
It said that the help of investigative dogs is being taken and forensic experts are also engaged in work.
