Ghosh was travelling to court to record his statement when the collision took place. He claimed that a 16-wheeler truck had been trailing their vehicle and hit it from the right side. Police offered a different version, stating that the crash appeared to be a head-on collision after which the truck dragged the car for several metres. The truck driver fled the scene, and forensic teams later examined both vehicles.
According to police sources, the truck was driven by Abdul Halim Molla, who himself is an accused in the Sandeshkhali violence case and is already facing an arrest warrant. The alleged involvement of another accused has deepened suspicions among the victim’s family.
Biswajit Ghosh, the witness’s elder son, termed the incident a deliberate murder attempt. He said his father had been cooperating with the CBI, and that threats had been issued by associates of suspended TMC leader Sheikh Shahjahan. He named Sabita Roy and Moslem Sheikh as planners of the attack, alleging they acted on instructions from Shahjahan, who is currently in jail.
The crash triggered sharp political reactions. Union Minister Sukanta Majumdar described the incident as a “clear case of murder”, while BJP’s Amit Malviya claimed Shahjahan was eliminating witnesses from behind bars. Leader of Opposition Suvendu Adhikari said the attack strengthened the case for handing the entire investigation to an agency outside the state.
Sheikh Shahjahan, accused of running an extensive criminal network involving land grabbing, illegal fisheries, extortion, and control of local tenders, is estimated to have amassed ₹261 crore through illicit operations. Over 100 residents have given statements against him, including multiple women alleging serious abuse. Authorities have so far seized assets worth ₹27 crore and arrested Shahjahan, his brother, and two associates in the money-laundering probe.
Police have launched a technical and forensic inquiry into the crash as calls grow for enhanced protection of witnesses in the case.
