West Bengal CID makes first arrest in murder of BJP worker Trilochan Mahato. Full statement here

The West Bengal CID has made its first arrest in relation to the murder of BJP worker Trilochan Mahato in the state's Purulia.

READ | “This Is For Doing BJP Politics From Age 18. Been Trying To Kill You Since The Vote”, Reads Note Found Near 20 Year Old’s Hanging Body In West Bengal

The accused is named Punjabi Mahato and is 45-years old. Here is the press release by the West Bengal police:

"ARREST OF ACCUSED IN TRILOCHAN MAHATO MURDER CASE
One Punjabi Mahato (45 yrs), s/o Lt. Nitai Mahato of Supurdi Nich Busty has been arrested today after his thorough interrogation at Balarampur PS in 
c/w Balarampur PS Case No. 58/18 dt. 30.05.18 u/s 364/302/120 B IPC which relates to murder of Trilochan Mahato. The case was started over a complaint of Hariram Mahato, father of
deceased Trilochon Mahato (20 yrs), s/o Hariram Mahato of Supurdi and a student of History Hons. (3rd yrs) of Balarampur College. The deceased was allegedly kidnapped  on 29/05/18 evening when he was returning from Balarampur Hattala availing his bicycle. His family members and local PS conducted thorough search in all probable places. Next day morning body of Trilochon was found hanging from a Sirish Tree by his own shirt and pant at Khudigora Jungle about 01 Km away from his village. All his belongings like chappal, money bag, cap, mobile phones and also some other articles were found at PO. His bicycle was also found beside the PO.

Two mobile phones and Two SIM cards, which were kept concealed at the house of Punjabi Mahato, have been seized and are being examined forensically. He will be forwarded tomorrow with a prayer for PC. Regards"

Punjabi Mahato's wife has also been detained, Republic TV sources have confirmed.

Trilochan Mahato, a 20-year-old Dalit male, had been found dead in gruesome circumstances on May 31, seemingly for supporting his party.

Two notes had been found near his body, one of which had been scribbled on the back of his t-shirt. It read:

"This is for doing BJP politics from age 18. Been trying to kill you since the vote. Failed. Today your life ends."

Days later, another BJP worker, named Dulal Kumar, had been found dead in similar circumstances.  The BJP has claimed a Trinamool Congress hand in the murders and had sought a CBI probe in both cases.