KOLKATA: The caretaker of football legend PK Banerjee's house in Salt Lake's GD Block died after being assaulted by the late footballer's former driver when a heated argument over drinks on Friday night got out of hand.
The deceased, Gopinath Muhuri, 48, has been working in the Banerjee's house for over two decades. Barun Ghosh, the assailant, had also been employed for over 12 years. Bidhannagar South Police arrested Barun early on Saturday morning after being alerted about the killing by other household staff members.
The murder reportedly took place while arguments that had broken out between the two during a drinking session led to accusations of theft. Around Rs 5,000 kept in a locker by Banerjee's daughter Paula had apparently gone missing. Police said the accusation had turned into fisticuffs after which Barun had stabbed Gopinath with a kitchen knife. Other members of the household staff were in their quarters at the time.
Gopinath was rushed to hospital but succumbed to his injuries.
"During questioning, Barun claimed that it was Gopinath who had first attacked him. He claimed that though he had tried to dodge, he had sustained a cut near the neck. Enraged, Barun had retaliated. He punched Gopinath multiple times and then snatched the weapon and repeatedly stabbed him in the neck," said an officer.
While being produced in court, Barun claimed that he had not stolen any money, nor fetched the knife from the kitchen. He even showed his own neck injury to make his point.
According to police sources, Paula had recently returned from Thailand and reported Rs 5,000 missing from her purse. She had summoned all five household staff members, including three female workers, and asked them about the missing amount. However, given all were long-time workers, she desisted from involving the police, telling them that she wanted it sorted as her trust had been betrayed.
The argument between Gopinath and Barun was over this missing amount. Paula, who was at home when the incident happened, expressed grief over the death.
The police have also seized a car with a sticker bearing PK Bandopadhyay's name. According to sources, after being stabbed, caretaker Gopinath was taken to the hospital in that car. Police sources said that those who shifted him to the hospital in the car were also questioned.
Forensic experts have been engaged to collect samples from the crime scene, including the murder weapon and blood samples. The police are also investigating whether there were any other underlying motives, presumably old ones, or any rivalry behind the murder besides the dispute over the missing money.
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