North 24 Parganas, West Bengal: In a tragic incident that has raised suspicions of foul play, a car carrying a key witness in a high-profile case against jailed suspended Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Sheikh Shahjahan was struck by a truck on Wednesday, killing two occupants and leaving the witness critically injured. The incident took place while the victims were en route to a court hearing in North 24 Parganas, intensifying concerns over witness safety in politically sensitive cases.

The victim, Bholanath Ghosh, is a crucial witness in a case concerning a mob attack on Enforcement Directorate (ED) officials that occurred when they visited Sheikh Shahjahan’s residence in January 2024. Ghosh’s testimony is considered vital in establishing the sequence of events and identifying those responsible for the attack.

According to reports, Ghosh was traveling with his son, Satyajit Ghosh, and their driver, Sahanur Mollah, when the accident occurred near Boyermari. The truck allegedly came from the opposite direction and collided head-on with their car, causing the vehicle to plunge into a roadside ditch. Both Satyajit and Mollah died on the spot, while Ghosh sustained serious injuries and was rushed first to a local hospital in Minakhan before being transferred to a Kolkata medical facility for advanced treatment.

“I was in the back seat, and my son was sitting next to the driver. As we approached Boyermari, the truck suddenly came towards us and hit us head-on. Our vehicle fell into a roadside ditch. I was rescued in an unconscious state. I feel that it was planned,” Ghosh told reporters, suggesting the possibility of a targeted attack rather than an accident.

Ghosh’s other son, Biswajit Ghosh, has alleged that the crash was orchestrated on Shahjahan’s orders. Speaking to the media, he said, “My father is a witness in a case in which Shahjahan is an accused. They were going to court when they were murdered. Two leaders of the Nazat panchayat did this on the orders of Shahjahan. I came to know that the truck was waiting for the car on the highway. It is not an accident. It is a murder.”

Local authorities confirmed that the truck driver is absconding, and a formal case has been registered. Police are investigating the circumstances surrounding the crash, and no conclusive determination has been made about whether it was accidental or intentional.

Background of the Case

The attack comes amid a politically charged backdrop. In February 2024, protests erupted in Sandeshkhali after allegations surfaced against Sheikh Shahjahan and his aides regarding land grabbing and sexual assault. The protests were primarily led by villagers, including a significant participation of women, demanding swift legal action against Shahjahan and his associates.

Following the unrest, the Calcutta High Court ordered the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) to probe the mob attack case. As part of the investigation, Shahjahan and his aides, Shibaprasad Hazra and Uttam Sardar, were arrested. The ongoing CBI investigation has made Ghosh a key witness, given his direct knowledge of the events surrounding the attack on ED officials.

Sheikh Shahjahan has been identified as a close aide of former minister Jyotipriyo Mallick, who is currently out on bail in a separate case related to alleged irregularities in the public distribution system. Shahjahan’s political connections have intensified scrutiny over the circumstances of the car crash, especially given the timing and the fact that the victims were on their way to court proceedings.

Concerns Over Witness Safety

The incident has raised broader concerns about the safety of witnesses in politically sensitive and high-profile criminal cases in West Bengal. Legal experts and political observers have noted that threats and targeted attacks on witnesses can undermine the course of justice, particularly in cases involving influential figures.

The Calcutta High Court and law enforcement agencies have previously emphasized the need for adequate protection for witnesses, but incidents like the North 24 Parganas crash highlight persistent challenges. Ghosh’s statement indicating that the collision may have been planned adds urgency to calls for enhanced security measures for individuals involved in ongoing investigations.

Ongoing Investigation

Police are currently investigating multiple angles, including the possibility of premeditated murder. Forensic teams are likely to examine the scene of the accident, the vehicle, and the truck involved, while authorities try to locate and apprehend the absconding driver. The CBI, already handling the broader case against Shahjahan, may also coordinate with local police to determine whether the crash is connected to attempts to intimidate or eliminate key witnesses.

Officials have cautioned against drawing premature conclusions while the investigation is underway. However, the Ghosh family’s allegations have drawn attention to the volatile intersection of politics and criminal justice in the region.

Reactions and Next Steps

The incident has sparked outrage among local residents, legal advocates, and civil society organizations, who have called for an immediate and thorough investigation. There is increasing pressure on the authorities to ensure transparent proceedings and adequate protection for witnesses involved in the case against Shahjahan and his aides.

Meanwhile, Bholanath Ghosh continues to receive treatment for his injuries in Kolkata. The deaths of his son and driver, however, have left the family devastated. Law enforcement officials have assured that the investigation will proceed swiftly to identify all responsible parties and determine whether the crash was indeed an orchestrated attack or a tragic accident.

The case has once again highlighted the risks faced by whistleblowers and key witnesses in politically sensitive cases in India, raising questions about how best to protect individuals who come forward in pursuit of justice.