Violence Erupts in Kolkata After Polling Ends
Kolkata witnessed a fresh wave of political violence on Wednesday night, with two Trinamool Congress functionaries battling for their lives in Behala and Bhatpara after alleged attacks by BJP workers. The BJP has denied these charges, counter-claiming that its own workers were targeted by Trinamool supporters.
Bhatpara Shooting
In Bhatpara, Tapas Das, an executive committee member of the Bhatpara Town Trinamool Congress, was shot twice during an altercation with BJP supporters. The incident occurred in ward 21 of Bhatpara Municipality, leading to a heavy police deployment. Das was initially admitted to Bhatpara State General Hospital and later shifted to the College of Medicine and Sagar Dutta Hospital in Kamarhati as his condition deteriorated. Former Jagaddal MLA and Trinamool candidate Somnath Shyam alleged that aides of BJP MP and candidate Arjun Singh, including his nephew, were involved. According to the FIR, Das was standing near his booth after polling ended when an argument broke out, resulting in him being shot twice. "When he tried to flee, around two to three rounds were fired at him," Shyam said. No arrests have been made so far.
Jagaddal BJP candidate and former IPS Rajesh Kumar termed the accusations false, claiming that Trinamool-backed miscreants were responsible.
Behala Incident
In Behala, Trinamool workers claimed they were attacked by miscreants sheltered by the BJP. Five people, including a former Trinamool councillor, were injured. After voting ended on Wednesday, Trinamool workers were at their party office when BJP-backed goons allegedly attacked them. "Ex-councillor and state Trinamool organisational secretary Anjan Das arrived at the spot and was severely beaten, resulting in a head injury. Party worker Biswajit Das Bagal received a serious skull fracture and was admitted to SSKM Trauma Care Centre, where he was operated upon. He is stated to be critical," said Behala West Trinamool candidate Ratna Chatterjee.
Kolkata Police arrested seven persons in connection with the Behala incident.
BJP's Counter-Allegations
The BJP alleged that around 8 pm on Wednesday, Trinamool members stormed the house of one Prosenjit Brahma in Behala. The family claims that both Brahma and his brother, Abhijit Brahma, are active RSS members. They were reportedly rescued in an injured condition and detained for questioning. Jishnu Basu, head of the RSS's eastern region, said, "There was shameless behaviour by the police. Both men were injured, yet they took the brothers to the lock-up." Prosenjit was reportedly a BJP polling agent. "We want an impartial probe," said Behala West BJP candidate Indranil Khan.
There were also allegations of central forces entering homes of Trinamool workers in the slums of New Alipore and assaulting several persons on Wednesday. Nine were injured, with three being admitted to Bangur Hospital. Trinamool lodged an FIR at New Alipore Police Station on Wednesday night.
Other Incidents
Trinamool also alleged that the CRPF baton-charged Trinamool workers in front of Jodhpur Park Women's Polytechnic. At Panchasayar, the BJP alleged that Trinamool-backed goons vandalized the office of polling agent Shantanu Sarkar at booth 153 during heavy rain. Trinamool denied involvement. Sporadic incidents of violence were also reported from Bhangar and Canning.
