KOLKATA: Five BJP supporters were allegedly injured in a bomb attack in the Panihati area of West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, police confirmed on Thursday. The incident occurred late Wednesday night, just hours after Chandranath Rath, a close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants.
BJP Accuses TMC of Retaliatory Violence
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) accused the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) of carrying out retaliatory violence following the killing, according to news agency PTI. Police reported that unidentified assailants hurled crude bombs near St Xavier's Institution in Panihati, injuring at least five BJP workers. The injured were taken to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata for treatment.
Details of the Attack
Local sources indicated that BJP workers were interacting with residents on Dutta Road in Ward No. 2 of Panihati when a group of motorcycle-borne attackers allegedly targeted them with bombs before fleeing the scene. According to PTI, the BJP claimed that the attackers had links to the ruling TMC. However, the Mamata Banerjee-led party denied the allegations.
Police Investigation Underway
A senior police official stated, "We have started an investigation and are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to identify those involved. Raids are being conducted to nab the accused." A heavy police deployment has been made in the area. "We are maintaining strict vigil and appealing to people not to spread rumours. Necessary steps are being taken to maintain peace," the officer added.
Notably, the blast took place near the residence of newly elected BJP MLA Ratna Debnath, mother of the RG Kar Hospital rape victim.
