Howrah Shootout: Promoter Shot Dead at Point-Blank Range; Two Identified, BJP Alleges Accused Linked To TMC MLA

A 27-year-old real-estate promoter was shot dead in a brazen early-morning attack in West Bengal’s Howrah district on Wednesday, triggering panic in the area and sparking political controversy ahead of elections. The incident took place around 4 a.m. in the Pilkhana locality under Golabari police station limits, where the victim, identified as Shafiq) Khan, had stepped out near a roadside tea stall. CCTV video shows two men approached him, spoke briefly, and then opened fire at point-blank range. One attacker allegedly shot him from behind while another fired from the front after he fell. CCTV footage is being examined by investigators to establish the sequence of events. Khan suffered bullet wounds to his head and chest and was declared dead after being taken to hospital.

Police have identified two suspects - Rafakat and Harun using CCTV footage. They are currently absconding and a manhunt is underway. Investigators suspect the killing may have stemmed from a personal or business rivalry, possibly linked to financial disputes over promoting business. Family members of the victim alleged that a large sum of money had been demanded from him, suggesting an alleged extortion angle to the murder.

The murder has quickly taken on political overtones : A video circulated by BJP leaders allegedly shows one of the accused riding a motorcycle as pillion along with Trinamool Congress (TMC) MLA Gautam Chowdhury, a claim that has intensified political sparring. Chowdhury has denied any political link, stating the incident appeared to be the result of a personal dispute. No official confirmation of political involvement has been made by police so far. “Is it my responsibility as who is clicking pictures with me? By that logic Nirav Modi and Prajwal Revanna have pictures with Pm Narendra Modi. This is a crime and investigation will hunt down the accused. There is no politics in this”, said Chowdhury

Senior officers reached the scene soon after the shooting, and police have registered a case. Search operations are underway to arrest the suspects, while CCTV footage and local leads are being analysed. The killing has created tension in the minority dominated locality, with residents expressing fear and anger over the daylight-style execution. There is massive deployment of police forces in the area to control anything untoward. “This is a proof of lawlessness in Bengal. The criminals are patronised by TMC for muscle power in politics. That has given impunity to the criminals. This is the real picture of Bengal all across”, said BJP MP Sukanta Mazumder.​