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Absconding constable caught while trying to cross the border

KOLKATA:  A constable of the State Armed Police who is suspected to have killed three persons was caught at the India-Bangladesh border in Murshidabad district on Monday foiling his attempt to sneak across the international border to safety.

Piyush Kanti Ghosh, a constable of the 8 {+t} {+h} Battalion of the State Armed Police, was absconding since Saturday night. He allegedly killed three persons with his service weapon over a personal matter on Sunday morning.

 A patrolling party of the Border Security Force at Kaharpara in Murshidabad district spotted a man at 4.30 a.m. whose movements were suspicious. They apprehended him, but he refused to reveal his identity, said Ashok Kumar, Inspector-General of BSF's South Bengal Frontier.

The man claimed that his uncle lived across the border and was unwell and that is why he was trying to cross over. But the news of an absconding police constable came in with the morning papers and suspicions were raised whether he might be the same person, Mr. Kumar added.

“After five to six hours of interrogation he admitted that he was Piyush Kanti Ghosh. Pairs of khaki trousers and boots were also found among his possessions. He also revealed where he had hidden the murder weapon. We handed him over to the State police.”

Early on Sunday morning, Sarbani Pal, her husband Manabendra Pal and his sister Rohini Ray were killed at a secluded spot near Ardali Bazaar at Barrackpore in North 24 Parganas district. The police suspect that Ghosh and Sarbani Pal were having an affair. Ghosh was absconding with the SLR and 50 rounds of ammunition issued to him from the armoury for sentry duty from Saturday night.

“The weapon and a few cartridges have been seized. He had dropped it in a pond near the site of the murder. About 40 rounds of ammunition are still missing,” said Siddhinath Gupta, Special IG and DIG, Presidency Range.

Ghosh's brother told journalists that the family suspected he was having an affair with a married woman.

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