Howrah, November 28, 2025 — A Trinamool Congress (TMC) gram panchayat member was shot dead late Thursday night in Howrah, West Bengal, while his associate sustained critical injuries, police said.

The victim, Debobrata Mondal, also known as Babu Mondal, a member of the Sampuipara-Basukathi gram panchayat, was returning home around 11 pm on a motorcycle with Anupam Rana near the Nishchinda-Buro Shibtala area under Liluah police station limits when the attack occurred. According to police, two motorcycle-borne assailants opened fire at close range, hitting Mondal in the waist and shoulder. Anupam was injured while attempting to resist the attackers.

Both men were rushed to Belur State General Hospital by local residents. Mondal was later shifted to SSKM Hospital in Kolkata, where he succumbed to his injuries. Anupam Rana remains in critical condition at a private hospital in North Howrah.

Howrah Police Commissioner Praveen Tripathy visited the site and confirmed that a murder case has been registered. Authorities are examining CCTV footage and tracing the assailants. Reports indicate that at least five rounds were firedduring the assault.

A history-sheeter named Suman Choudhury, previously implicated in extortion and attempted murder, has emerged as a person of interest. Local TMC workers have also alleged the involvement of an individual known as Basu, though police said all angles are being investigated.

Senior TMC leaders, including Howrah District (Sadar) president and MLA Goutam Chowdhury, MLA Kalyan Ghosh, and Domjur Youth Trinamool leader Noorj Molla, visited the hospitals. MLA Ghosh demanded the immediate arrest of those responsible, while tensions have risen in the area ahead of the 2026 Assembly elections.