Hours before Prime Minister Narendra Modi addressed a rally at Jagaddal in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district on Monday, clashes erupted between Trinamool Congress (TMC) and Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers barely 400 meters from the venue. The violence escalated into gunfire, stone pelting, and crude bomb attacks, leaving a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawan wounded with bullet injuries.
Injuries and Arrests
The injured jawan, identified as Yogesh Sharma, has been admitted to a private hospital. Six other individuals were also injured in the clashes. Police have arrested four people, including TMC councillor Gopal Routh. The Election Commission (EC) has sought a detailed report on the incident.
Conflicting Accounts
BJP's Noapara candidate Rajesh Kumar claimed that the unrest began after he went to the Jagaddal police station to file a First Information Report (FIR) against West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee. He alleged that the police refused to register the complaint and that a mob of around 200 people, allegedly linked to the TMC, stormed the station and attacked him, forcing the police to flee the spot.
Trinamool candidate Amit Singh disputed Kumar's version of events. "We went to lodge a complaint against the BJP for attacking our workers. We were attacked first. Arjun Singh (former BJP MP) arrived there, shoving and pushing everyone, as seen in CCTV footage, and sparked the violence," Singh said.
Attack on Candidate's Residence
BJP workers alleged that TMC-backed miscreants targeted the residence of Arjun Singh's son and Bhatpara candidate Pawan Singh with stones and gunfire. The CISF jawan, who was part of Pawan Singh's security detail, was shot in the leg. Police confirmed that a mob of around 200 people entered the police station and later attacked the candidate's residence with explosives and firearms.
Arjun Singh accused Trinamool candidate Somnath Shyam and Barrackpore MP Partha Bhowmick of leading miscreants in a planned attack to disrupt the PM's rally. "Shots were fired and bombs were hurled at Pawan Singh's house," he said. In response, Somnath Shyam blamed Arjun Singh for bringing "miscreants" to the area.
Election Commission's Response
The Election Commission stated that a candidate's visit had triggered the mob violence. Further investigations are underway, and the EC has called for a comprehensive report to determine the sequence of events and ensure accountability.
