Subhrajit after scoring a century in Bangladesh in 2012
Sainthia, April 27: Subhrajit Das, the opening partner of deceased Bengal cricketer Ankit Keshri and a current member of the Under-19 state team, was beaten up by suspected Trinamul workers, leaving him injured in the right knee.
Yet to recover from the shock of the untimely death of his opening partner, the left-handed batsman still has 'RIP Ankit Keshri' as his WhatsApp status. Recuperating in the hospital, he spoke of a November 2014 Bengal versus Delhi Under-19 match in Motera, where the duo had put up 130 in their opening partnership to spearhead their team's victory in a Vinoo Mankad Trophy. He had scored a 'quickfire' 55 and Keshri an 'elegant' 70, he recounted.
His trauma of losing his opening partner has taken the backseat now, he said. Yesterday's attack on him has left 'indelible' bruises on his mind as the assault was led by a 'friend' he used to play para (neighbourhood) cricket with as kids. Last year, Das had arranged for IPL tickets for Chhottu dada, an alleged Trinamul activist known to others as Soubhik Mazumdar.
Although no fracture has been found, 18-year-old Das - who appeared for his higher secondary exams this year - is in a 'lot of pain' because of his swollen knees that were hit with stones.
Described by former Bengal captain Sambaran Banerjee as 'a promising left-handed batsman', Das rose to prominence last summer with a 178-ball 226 for George Telegraph SC in a CAB first-division match.
Lying in a hospital bed, Das fears for his career and the safety of his family in an area dominated by the ruling party.
His knee bandaged, Subhrajit at his father’s diagnostic centre on Monday. Picture by Ramprasad Baidya.
The Telegraph spoke to the young batsman in the hospital. His account follows:
Even in my worst nightmare, I would never have imagined that Chhottu dada would beat me up. I have known him since childhood. He is about five years older to me. We used to play cricket and on so many occasions, I had arranged tickets for him for IPL matches at the Eden.
He threw stones at me yesterday and injured both my legs. I don't know when I would be fit to play again. Did he not think of our friendship, about my future? Did his hand tremble even once when he threw those stones at his old friend? Through the night, I kept wondering how it was possible.
(Das was hit repeatedly with stones and bricks yesterday by suspected Trinamul workers, apparently furious that his father had complained against them to police for threatening a relative.)
I was supposed to appear for the Food Corporation of India today in Calcutta. I couldn't. I don't know how long I will have to rest. In the second week of May, I am supposed to play the P. Sen Trophy. I don't know if I would be fit by then. These misses would affect my prospects.
Last evening, I had come home to Sainthia and had gone out to meet my friends.
Minutes after, I heard people shouting, but I did not pay attention as I did not think it had anything to do with me. I was on the phone with a friend.
In an instant, I saw Chhottu dada, Sukhen kaka (Sukhen Mahara), Chhottu Ankur and Toton Ankur running towards me. Before I could figure out what was happening, Sukhen kaka hurled a big stone at me and I fell flat on the face.
The pelting of stones continued, causing immense pain in my legs. They wanted to cripple me, perhaps.
My aunt came running for help, but the men chased her off.
I was choking in pain but I got up and scampered, somehow, to follow my aunt home. The men hurled abuses as we fled but they were done with beating me up, I suppose.
I was taken to the primary health centre later.
Believe me, I hardly think about politics. I know nothing about politics. I am not even a voter. But politics has certainly dented my career as a cricketer.
I heard today that Sukhen kaka has lodged a complaint against my father and uncles.
My parents later told me that the four men belong to Trinamul and have a backing from the local leadership. What if they never let me play again? What would happen to my family?
I don't stay in Sainthia but my father and uncles have to stay here for business. What will happen to them?
The police have not arrested those who attacked me. They have been loitering around our home.
I am scared. Very scared.
