Shiek Saharul, Meer’s son, said, “At least 25-30 CPI(M) activists attacked our house around 3.30 am. Tahid, Hosanur and Bagha, all CPI(M) activists, led the group. Tahid hit my father with a wooden stick. They then dragged him out and beat him with iron rods and wooden sticks. I have disclosed the names of the people to the police.”

“Police have conducted raids in Satengabari but all the men of the village have fled the place,” said DSP Ghosh.

Sania, who was also killed in poll violence and whose mother Aleya Bibi sustained gunshot wounds, was buried near her house. Her elder sister, 10-year-old Sukina, recounted the events of the tragic day.

“Armed men attacked some houses around 4:30 pm. My mother Aleya bibi went out with my sister to watch what was happening. They fired from across the pond. One bullet hit Sania in the leg and went into my mother’s belly,” she said.

Safiul, Sania’s father, said precious time was lost as the roads in Giribazar had been cut off and that she could have been saved had she reached the hospital earlier.