Shooting Incident in West Bengal Ahead of Elections Raises Concerns

Shooting Incident Outside BJP Candidate's Residence

In Bhatarpara, located in the North 24 Parganas district of West Bengal, a shooting incident occurred outside the residence of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) candidate Pawan Singh, resulting in injuries to a Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) personnel. Following this event, the Election Commission has requested a report regarding the incident, as confirmed by officials on Monday.

The shooting took place on Sunday, just days before the second phase of assembly elections scheduled for April 29 in the state.

The injured officer has been identified as Yogesh Sharma, who was part of the security detail for Pawan Singh, the son of senior BJP leader Arjun Singh. Reports indicate that Sharma sustained a gunshot wound to his leg and has been admitted to a hospital for treatment.

An official stated that the Election Commission is seeking a detailed report on the incident, while police have yet to determine who fired the shots. Tensions escalated in the Jagaddal area on Sunday evening when a group allegedly attacked a Trinamool Congress (TMC) worker who was putting up party flags and banners.

Tensions Escalate Amid Political Rivalry

Several TMC leaders arrived at the police station to file complaints regarding the attack. An official noted, "Shortly after, supporters from both sides gathered, leading to heated arguments that escalated into a physical altercation. Reports of stone-pelting outside the police station emerged, prompting authorities to restore order."

Tensions reignited near Singh's residence, where eyewitnesses reported that crude bombs were thrown, and gunfire erupted.

A local TMC leader claimed, "Our worker was attacked. When we went to file a complaint, we were assaulted. We believed the police station was the safest place, but that perception has been shattered." In contrast, the BJP denied these allegations, asserting that their supporters were the targets of violence. The TMC dismissed the BJP's claims, countering that the BJP is responsible for the unrest.