Two men have been arrested in connection with firing on Sheikh Altafuddin, who was returning home after deposing in a murder case in which he is an accused, on Budge Budge Trunk Road on Wednesday afternoon.
Sheikh Afridi, the suspected shooter, was arrested in Kakdwip in South 24-Parganas late on Wednesday. Rabiul Mullick, who police said was keeping an eye on Altafuddin, was picked up early on Thursday.
The findings of a preliminary investigation suggest that Altafuddin, who suffered a bullet wound in his neck, had been threatening to get Afridi murdered. “The threats prompted Afridi to plot Altafuddin’s murder,” said an officer of the Diamond Harbour police district.
“The victim and the suspected shooter both have multiple criminal cases against them,” the officer said.
Altafuddin, a resident of Nodakhali in South 24-Parganas, came under attack when he was returning home riding his motorcycle after deposing in a murder case in an Alipore court.
The police said Afridi was riding pillion on another motorcycle. “The bike that Afridi was riding caught up with Altafuddin’s motorcycle from behind on Budge Budge Trunk Road. Afridi shot at Altafuddin from a close range,” said an officer.
The bullet hit Altafuddin in his neck and exited his body, piercing his face. He lost control of his bike, which skidded before ramming into a post along the road.
Atiur Rahaman, who was riding pillion on Altafuddin, escaped unhurt. He took the injured to hospital.
Police said the duo identified the assailants and shared their names with the police.
Based on their statements, the cops zeroed in on Afridi. Rabiul was picked up later, following Afridi’s interrogation.
“Altafuddin and Afridi have been plotting against each other. Wednesday’s attack was pre-planned. Afridi had engaged Mullick to spy upon Altafuddin,” said the officer.
On Wednesday, while going to the court, Altafuddin had parked his motorcycle in the Budge Budge railway station compound. While returning, he reached Budge Budge by train and left for his home on his bike.
“Rabiul was communicating to Afridi details of Altafuddin’s movement,”said the officer.
The identity of the person who was driving the motorcycle on which Afridi was riding pillion was yet to be established.