- By Shubham Bajpai
- Wed, 06 May 2026 10:31 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Elections in West Bengal have a history of being marred by violence. In 2021, a BJP activist, Abhijit Sarkar, was brutally killed in post-poll violence. Abhijit's brother Biswajit has emerged as a symbol of resistance for organising Durga Pujas, highlighting anti-establishment themes, like "cut money" culture, to the RG Kar rape and murder case.
For Biswajit, BJP's victory is personal as it has liberated him from the intimidation that settled over his home in Kolkata's Kankurgachi since the 2021 killing.
Speaking to The Indian Express, Biswajit said, "My brother gave his life to see what the people of Bengal are witnessing today," adding, "I miss him terribly, but I am on cloud nine. This isn’t just a political shift; it feels like a personal victory for our family."
Biswajit explained how he faced not just political but also psychological warfare in the Bengal Assembly Elections 2026, as despite the court's ban, TMC leaders would campaign in the area.
He named TMC councillors Papiya Ghosh and Swapan Samaddar, saying, "Under court orders, they were barred from entering Shibtala Lane. Yet, they would campaign here, defying the court order, intentionally raising slogans directed at my house. I had to move the court again to challenge this. I was waiting for this day—the day the tide would turn."
"This result is like freedom for many in Bengal. I think my brother is finally resting in peace,” Biswajit added.
What is the case?
Abhijit was a BJP activist who was killed in the Narkeldanga area, hours after the results of the Assembly elections 2021 were announced on May 2.
Abhijit was allegedly strangled and bludgeoned with a heavy object. A couple of days later, the BJP raised the issue at the national level, demanding a detailed investigation into the post-poll violence in the state.
The BJP alleged irregularities in the post-mortem, saying, "It took 4 months to hand over the body so that evidence can be removed," Ghosh said.
The Calcutta High Court took cognisance of the case and, in August 2021, ordered a CBI probe. The court had also asked for a second autopsy.
The CBI identified at least 20 accused in the case and started a detailed investigation, leading to arrests and court proceedings.
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Case status
The case remains one of the most high-profile cases of the CBI, linked to post-poll violence. As many as 12 accused remain in custody, while five were released on bail. Five others still remain absconding
In 2025, the CBI arrested the prime accused in the case, Arun Dey alias Bhai. He was arrested in Teghoria. According to CBI, "It was further alleged that the said accused were part of an unlawful assembly and they attacked the house of Abhijit Sarkar, damaged the properties, looted the gold jewellery, destroyed the CCTV system, removed the DVR of the CCTV system, and also assaulted Abhijit Sarkar".