Post-Poll Violence Erupts in West Bengal, Leaving Four Dead
Kolkata: The assembly election verdict in West Bengal triggered a wave of violence across the state, resulting in at least four deaths, numerous injuries, and ransacking of party offices. Rival cadres from the Trinamool Congress (TMC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) clashed in multiple districts overnight, escalating tensions.
Kolkata Witnesses Two Deaths
Within 24 hours, two deaths were reported in Kolkata. In Beleghata, TMC poll agent Biswajit Pattanaik, 45, was found bleeding at his doorstep after stepping out following a phone call. Police suspect he was chased, attempted to flee across rooftops, and fell. However, his family alleges he was dragged out and beaten mercilessly. A relative stated, "They broke the door and assaulted him. Neighbors were too scared to help." A murder investigation is underway. BJP denied involvement. A policeman commented, "He fell on a tap. It broke and washed away his blood. That's why the family did not see blood at the spot, though he was bleeding from his nose and ears." This killing revived memories of the 2021 post-poll murder of BJP worker Abhijit Sarkar in the same locality, a case now under CBI investigation. The CBI named 20 suspects, including former TMC MLA Paresh Pal, in supplementary chargesheets, leading to arrests and judicial custody of police officers in 2025.
Hours later in New Town, about 12 km northeast of Kolkata, BJP worker Madhu Mondal, 46, died after a clash with TMC supporters. Police said he was pushed and kicked during a confrontation over control of a party office. He collapsed and was declared dead at the hospital. The accused fled as tensions flared, triggering vandalism of his home.
Violence Spreads Across Kolkata
Violence rapidly spread across Kolkata. Party offices were attacked, flags torn down, and vehicles damaged from Behala to Kalighat and Shyampukur. In Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee's Bhowanipur constituency, a councillor's office was broken into and set ablaze. Across several wards, TMC offices were seized or defaced, with BJP flags hoisted. At the University of Calcutta in College Street, clashes erupted as posters were torn down and student activists assaulted, leaving several injured. Rival groups traded blame. Police said the situation was "under control" and warned against misinformation online.
Violence Beyond Kolkata
Beyond the capital city, the violence cut a wider swathe. In Udaynarayanpur, about 35 km southwest of Kolkata, BJP activist Jadav Bar, 45, was allegedly lynched. Police arrested four suspects, citing a possible personal dispute while probing political motives. Central forces have been deployed. In Nanoor, around 160 km northwest of Kolkata, TMC worker Abir Sheikh, 45, was hacked to death. His family blamed BJP cadres. BJP rejected the charge, calling it factional rivalry. Fresh clashes were also reported in Jalpaiguri.
About the Author: Tamaghna Banerjee, a reporter from Kolkata, covers crime, aviation, human rights, and politics. He has a keen interest in human interest and rural reporting. He has done his postgraduation in journalism and mass communication and has a total of 14 years in journalism.
