The cultural heart of Kolkata is in mourning following the horrific murder of the esteemed vocalist Anita Ghosh. The 65-year-old artist was found brutally murdered on Monday, 19 January 2026, within the confines of her residence in the Parnashree area of Behala. The primary suspect in the slaying is a domestic employee, who allegedly carried out the attack following a dispute over financial arrears.

A Brutal Domestic Betrayal

Anita Ghosh resided in a flat at Priyadarshini Apartments on Becharam Chatterjee Road. She lived there with her husband, Arup Ghosh, who is currently suffering from advanced dementia. Because of her husband’s condition, the household required a rotation of domestic staff to assist with daily care.

According to reports from the Kolkata Police, the tragedy was sparked by a row over unpaid wages. The accused, a domestic helper named Sanju Sarkar, reportedly confronted the singer regarding his salary. When she refused to meet his immediate demands, the confrontation turned into a bloodbath. The assailant allegedly used a sharp blade to inflict multiple, savage wounds to the singer’s face and abdomen.

Incident Report: The Murder of Anita Ghosh

Theft and Police Investigation

The savagery of the attack was followed by a calculated robbery. Police sources indicate that once Mrs Ghosh succumbed to her injuries, the suspect allegedly removed the gold jewellery from her body and ransacked the apartment’s cupboards for cash.

The Parnashree police arrived on the scene late Monday and moved the body to the hospital for a post-mortem examination. During the preliminary inquiry, three members of the household staff—including two helpers and a cook—were taken into custody. It has since been confirmed that Sanju Sarkar has confessed to the homicide under interrogation.

A Voice Silenced

In her professional life, Anita Ghosh was a stalwart of the Bengali music scene. She was a familiar face and voice to millions as a regular performer for Doordarshan and Akashvani (All India Radio). Her contributions to the preservation of traditional Bengali song have been lauded by peers and fans alike, making her violent passing all the more poignant for the community.

The local neighbourhood remains in a state of high alert, with residents calling for stricter verification processes for domestic workers. While the suspect is in custody, the police are continuing their forensic sweep of the apartment to ensure no other individuals were involved in the conspiracy to rob and kill the veteran artist.