The Supreme Court has instructed Rajganj Block Development Officer (BDO) Prashant Barman to surrender regarding the abduction and murder of gold merchant Swapan Kamilya in Kolkata. Following this directive, Barman was promptly relieved from his position as the Rajganj BDO in West Bengal’s Jalpaiguri district. Saurav Kanti Mandal has been appointed as the new Rajganj BDO by the West Bengal government, replacing Barman.
Local Trinamool Congress MLA Khageshwar Roy welcomed the new BDO’s appointment, expressing optimism for enhanced progress in the Rajganj block. Roy highlighted that the administrative work, previously stalled, would now resume at a faster pace, benefiting the local populace. The Trinamool MLA emphasized the importance of developmental activities for the community.
The body of gold merchant Swapan Kamilya was discovered in New Town near Kolkata on October 29 last year. Five individuals have been arrested by the police based on the victim’s family complaint. Prashant Barman, the Rajganj BDO, has been identified as the ‘main accused’ in the case, leading him to evade authorities after his implication in the murder. Despite opposition claims of inaction by the West Bengal government, Barman was swiftly replaced following the Supreme Court’s intervention.
