A routine visit to a wedding took a sensational turn in West Bengal’s Purulia district after a worker attached to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was found dead under suspicious circumstances, sparking claims of politically-influenced murder and heightening tensions in the region, according to a police statement issued on Sunday.

The police said the deceased has been identified as Habulal Gop, who had left his home on Thursday night to attend a wedding. He was found dead on Friday morning near Kanali village, under the jurisdiction of the local police station. The incident, as per police, sent shockwaves across the locality.

Gop was Shakti Kendra Pramukh

The police learnt that Gop (45) was a native of Beldi village in Purulia and was an active worker of the BJP. He held the position of Shakti Kendra Pramukh, according to party leaders. The locals, upon noticing his body, raised an alarm and the cops rushed to the scene. They sent the body to Purulia Government Medical College and Hospital for post-mortem to determine the cause behind his death.

Gop’s kin allege murder due to political affiliations

Gop’s bereaving kin have alleged foul play, claiming he was killed due to his affiliation with the saffron party. They said, “He was actively associated with the BJP. This appears to be a planned murder,” while voicing demands for swift arrests and a thorough probe.

Local BJP workers have also weighed in, and the party’s youth wing arrived at the spot, calling for strict action against the ones responsible.

Death adds tension to charged political climate

Gop’s death has again brought focus to the charged political climate in West Bengal, where clashes and allegations of attacks on party workers frequently make it to the headlines. In the aftermath of the incident, BJP supporters gathered near the village, raising concerns over law and order. Police officials aware of the case said that a probe into the incident is underway, and the post-mortem report shall clarify the circumstances surrounding his death.