In a disturbing incident highlighting escalating political tensions ahead of the upcoming assembly elections, a Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker's shop and home were allegedly attacked on Wednesday night in Nandanpur village. The village falls under the Nakajuri gram panchayat area of Onda in the Bankura district of West Bengal.
Details of the Attack
According to sources, the victim, Tapas Barik, who serves as the head of the BJP's social media cell in the Onda area, returned home late at night after attending a party conference. Upon his return, he discovered that miscreants had targeted his property.
Vandalism and Looting of Pharmacy
The attackers allegedly vandalised and looted Barik's pharmacy, which is located near his residence. The pharmacy suffered extensive damage, with items reportedly stolen or destroyed in the incident.
Arson Attempt at Residence
In a more severe escalation, the miscreants also targeted Barik's house. They broke the lock on the front door, poured petrol outside the premises, and set it on fire. This act of arson posed a significant threat to the safety of the occupants.
Escape and Allegations
Barik and his family members reportedly managed to escape the dangerous situation with the assistance of alert villagers who came to their aid. No injuries were reported, but the family was left shaken by the traumatic event.
Onda BJP MLA Amarnath Shakha has made serious allegations in the wake of the attack. He claimed that miscreants backed by the Trinamool Congress (TMC) carried out the assault. Shakha further asserted that the intent behind the attack was to kill Barik and his family members, indicating a premeditated and violent political motive.
Political Context and Rising Tensions
This incident occurs against a backdrop of heightened political rivalry in West Bengal as the state prepares for assembly elections. Such acts of violence are often seen as attempts to intimidate political workers and influence electoral outcomes. The attack on Barik's properties underscores the volatile atmosphere in certain regions, where political clashes can turn violent.
Local authorities are expected to investigate the matter thoroughly to identify and apprehend the perpetrators. The incident has sparked concerns about the safety of political activists and the need for maintaining law and order during the election period.
