A dispute over social media activities and growing suspicion in a relationship may have led to the murder of a 25-year-old software engineer on the outskirts of Kolkata, police investigators suspect. The victim, identified as Sarthak Sarkar, was found critically injured at a rented flat in the Fartabad area of Garia on November 7. His live-in partner, Sanchalika Basu, and her mother, Moumita Basu, have been arrested in connection with the case.
According to investigators, Sarthak and Sanchalika had been experiencing frequent disagreements over his activities on social media. Police suspect that Sanchalika was possessive about her partner's online interactions and would often argue with him over the women he followed on Facebook and the photographs he liked or commented on.
Baruipur Additional Superintendent of Police Soumyajit Barua said preliminary questioning suggested that repeated arguments over social media interactions could have contributed to the incident. Investigators are examining whether jealousy and suspicion became the immediate trigger for the fatal confrontation.
Sarthak worked for an IT company in Salt Lake's Sector V and originally belonged to Barasat in North 24 Parganas district. He had been living with Sanchalika in her rented flat in Fartabad. Her mother was also present at the residence when the incident took place.
According to the preliminary investigation, a heated argument broke out inside the flat on Saturday night. The situation allegedly turned violent, leaving Sarthak with serious injuries. Neighbours reportedly heard commotion from the residence before being alerted to the incident. The injured software engineer was rushed to a nearby hospital, where doctors declared him dead.
Police have also questioned the accused about the sequence of events. Investigators reportedly found scratch marks on Sanchalika's neck during the examination. The mother-daughter duo was taken to the flat on November 10 for a reconstruction of the crime scene. Forensic experts collected samples from the premises for further examination.
However, several questions remain unanswered. Police said the accused had given contradictory accounts during interrogation. Investigators are yet to conclusively establish who inflicted the fatal injury and the exact weapon used. The precise role of Moumita in the incident is also under investigation.
Police are examining the couple's relationship history and other possible motives alongside the social media dispute. The forensic findings and post-mortem report are expected to help establish the sequence of events.
Although jealousy over online interactions has emerged as a significant investigative angle, police have not yet declared it the conclusive motive behind Sarthak's death. The investigation remains underway.
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