Fri Mar 14 16:38:20 UTC 2025: ## College Student Killed in Holi Scuffle in West Bengal

**Kolkata, March 15, 2025** – A third-year college student, Akash Choudhury, was killed in a violent scuffle during Holi celebrations in Titagarh, West Bengal on Friday. Choudhury, reportedly associated with the Trinamool Congress student wing, succumbed to injuries sustained in an attack near his residence. Police arrested Pawan Rajbhar, who has a prior criminal record, in connection with the murder.

While Choudhury’s family denied any political motive, the incident has fueled tensions in the area. Local Trinamool Congress councillor Vikash Singh stated the motive remains unclear, but noted Rajbhar’s past association with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Former Barrackpore MP Arjun Singh attributed the death to local resource control disputes. The BJP countered by highlighting Singh’s past affiliation with their party.

Titagarh and surrounding areas have seen increased violence in recent years, with several killings reported. Separately, Kolkata Police reported arresting 161 individuals for disorderly conduct and seizing illicit liquor during Holi celebrations. Leader of the Opposition Suvendu Adhikari further alleged the vandalism of religious idols in Nandigram, raising concerns about communal tensions.

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