Kolkata | June 23, 2026
In a significant political development, families of several victims who allegedly lost their lives in incidents of political violence during the Trinamool Congress regime since 2011 reached the West Bengal Assembly on Monday to demand justice and accountability.
The delegation included Dipankar Das, son of slain activist Debu Das; family members of the late Usharani Das; Salem Khan, father of deceased student leader Anis Khan; and Sabina Yasmin, mother of Tamanna. Carrying photographs of their loved ones and memories of personal loss, the families sought a direct audience with Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee.
Standing firmly beside the grieving families were CPI(M) leaders, including prominent youth leader Meenakshi Mukherjee and CPI(M) MLA Mostafizur Rahaman. The Left leaders accused the state government of failing to deliver justice in several high-profile cases and pledged continued support for the victims' families.
Addressing the issue, CPI(M) leaders argued that the struggle transcends party politics and centers on the fundamental democratic right to justice. They alleged that many cases of political violence have remained unresolved, while victims' families continue to wait for accountability.
The families reiterated a single demand: no more eyewash investigations and immediate exemplary punishment for those actually responsible for the deaths of their relatives.
The visit brought emotional scenes outside the Assembly as family members recounted years of grief, unanswered questions, and frustration over the lack of closure. CPI(M) leaders described their presence as a reflection of the Left's commitment to standing with victims of political violence and raising their concerns on the floor of the Assembly.
The issue is expected to intensify political debate in the state, with the opposition accusing the government of shielding perpetrators and denying justice to affected families.
For the families, however, the battle remains deeply personal. More than a political issue, they say it is a struggle for truth, accountability, and justice for those they have lost.
"We do not want sympathy; we want justice," was the message echoed by the families during their visit to the Assembly.
(The allegations and demands mentioned in this report reflect the statements of the victims' families and CPI(M) leaders. The state government may hold a different position on these claims.)
