Siliguri, 21st March: The Phansidewa police have arrested an individual, identified as Althrius Ekka, for the alleged murder of Nilanjan Bhadra, Assistant Manager of Jayantika Tea Garden, using a sharp weapon. The accused was presented in Siliguri court on Friday.
According to reports, on Thursday afternoon, Nilanjan Bhadra’s body was recovered from the Bamboo Line in Section No. 14 of Jayantika Tea Garden under Siliguri Mahakuma. He had been working as an assistant manager at the garden for many years.
That afternoon, Bhadra went out on his bike to inspect work at the garden when he received a phone call. While speaking on the call, he was attacked from behind and collapsed in a pool of blood. Upon being informed, Phansidewa police, along with Naxalbari SDPO Neha Jain, reached the scene.
During the investigation, the police summoned a forensic team from Jalpaiguri, which provided crucial clues leading to the arrest of Althrius Ekka. During questioning, Ekka initially stated that Bhadra had previously accused him of stealing ₹70,000 and lodged a police complaint, which made him angry. However, he kept changing his statements, raising suspicion.
The police believe the accused committed the crime in a fit of rage. The weapon used in the murder has been recovered.
When contacted over phone, Darjeeling SP Praween Prakash stated that the exact motive behind the murder is still under investigation. However, preliminary findings suggest that Ekka killed Bhadra due to anger.
