West Bengal CM warns criminals to leave state after police encounter
Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari told those with illegal weapons to flee following the death of Ratan Sheikh in Birbhum.
West Bengal Chief Minister Suvendu Adhikari on Sunday told criminals and individuals holding illegal weapons to exit the state. The warning followed a police encounter in Nanoor, Birbhum, where Ratan Sheikh, the primary accused in a Santiniketan shooting case, was killed.
According to reports from Times of India and ANI, Sheikh allegedly fired at police officers during an attempt to arrest him on Friday. Adhikari stated that the police took necessary action on the spot after Sheikh shot at them. The Chief Minister described Sheikh as a dreaded criminal with 36 registered cases.
During the Friday incident in the Layek Bazar area of Bolpur, Sheikh reportedly opened fire on a three-member police team. This resulted in an injury to Constable Biswajit Das, who was hit in the left leg. The constable was treated at Bardhaman Medical College and Hospital, where doctors said his condition was stable.
West Bengal Minister Agnimitra Paul defended the encounter, stating that those who disturb law and order will not be spared regardless of their religion or political affiliation. Minister Umesh Rai added that the government maintains a zero-tolerance policy towards hooliganism and rape.
Minister Sharadwat Mukherjee also described the encounter as an act of self-defence by the police. Sheikh had recently returned to the area after being granted bail in a robbery case.