Political Unrest Erupts in Malda's Harishchandrapur, Injuring Dozens
BJP and Trinamul Exchange Accusations, Prompting Police Complaints
Political unrest that broke out in Malda's Harishchandrapur early on Wednesday morning left at least 12 people hurt, with the BJP and Trinamul trading accusations.
On Wednesday, both sides made police complaints against one another.
The BJP candidate for Malda North, Khagen Murmu, staged a protest in front of the local police station on Thursday, calling for action to be taken "within 24 hours" against alleged Trinamul sympathizers.
He said that on Tuesday, at the Pipla hamlet of Harishchandrapur, BJP leader Kamal Thokdar was assaulted by Trinamul followers headed by party leader Pujan Das.
"Kamal was beaten and his residence was looted by the intruders. His relatives were severely beaten. Swords were used to strike several BJP supporters who attempted to resist, according to Murmu.
Leaders of Trinamul attributed the assaults to Murmu, the current MP as well. "BJP-backed thugs are threatening our people at the MP's instigation. They destroyed Pujan Das's two-wheeler and assaulted him. He is admitted to the hospital. A local Trinamul politician named Ziaur Rehman said, "The police should put an end to this BJP violence right now.
Police said that an investigation was underway.
