A Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader from West Bengal’s Murshidabad district, who was critically injured in a violent attack earlier this week, died on Saturday morning, police said.

Patit Paul, a prominent TMC figure in the Rejinagar area, was attacked near his home on the night of July 21. According to a senior police officer, unidentified assailants shot at him and then brutally hacked him with sharp weapons. He was rushed to Murshidabad Medical College Hospital in critical condition but succumbed to his injuries after battling for several days.

Paul’s brother, Paritosh, has alleged that local BJP workers were behind the attack. He claimed that the police registered an FIR based on Patit Paul’s dying declaration, in which he named several attackers.

The FIR lists seven individuals, all reportedly associated with the BJP. According to the complaint, they had earlier threatened Paul over his role as a witness in a previous murder case in Rejinagar.

“We are still receiving threats for filing the FIR,” Paritosh said, alleging intimidation by people close to the accused, who are currently absconding. Police said a manhunt is underway to track them down.

The incident has triggered a political blame game. Former Congress MP and ex-West Bengal PCC chief Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury dismissed the BJP angle, claiming the murder was a result of internal TMC rivalries. He has demanded an impartial investigation.

CPI(M) central committee member Sujan Chakraborty echoed that sentiment, saying the incident reflects the worsening law and order situation in the state. “Even TMC’s own supporters and grassroots leaders are not safe,” he said.

TMC’s Bharatpur MLA and known rebel leader Humayun Kabir offered a more nuanced view. While confirming that Paul was indeed a TMC leader, he distanced the party from the accused. “Just carrying a party flag or attending some events doesn’t make someone a true TMC supporter. We want the culprits brought to justice swiftly,” he said.

As political parties trade allegations, tensions remain high in Rejinagar, with police on alert amid calls for a fair and thorough probe.