The canal, where Mondal’s body was found

PATHARPRATIMA: In what was termed the first political murder during the 2019 Lok Sabha elections in Bengal, the body of Ajoy Mondal, a CPM party convenor in Patharpratima under Mathurapur constituency, was found in a canal at Lakkhinarayanpur on Wednesday.

According to family sources, the 52-year-old had attended a party meeting at Haripur on Tuesday evening and after having his dinner at home, he had left for fishing at night as part of his daily routine. His family members were worried when he did not return home even after 2.30 am. Later, his body was found floating in the canal early on Wednesday. His wife, Nandita, said, “My husband was stabbed in the neck. His body was thrown into the canal after he was killed.” Joggeswar Das, former CPM MLA from Patharpratima, alleged Trinamool-backed goons had committed the crime as they had allegedly threatened the deceased to withdraw his nomination.

Trinamool Patharpratima MLA Samir Jana refuted the CPM’s allegations.

