Kolkata, 08 October (HS): The residence of former Kolkata Mayor and CPI(M) leader Bikas Ranjan Bhattacharya in Purbalok was allegedly attacked by a group of unidentified persons in the early hours of Thursday. According to reports, the attackers damaged CCTV cameras installed outside the house and threw bricks and stones at the premises. No one inside the house was injured.

A written complaint was lodged at the East Jadavpur Police Station immediately after the incident.

Bhattacharya, a former Rajya Sabha member, alleged that the attackers had covered their faces and concealed the registration numbers of their motorcycles. “The attackers had covered their faces and their motorcycle number plates were also concealed. This appears to have been a well-planned attack. They should know that they cannot intimidate me. I will now apply for an arms licence for my security,” Bhattacharya said.

Left parties have, on several occasions, alleged that their workers and leaders have faced attacks in the state since the change of government. Bhattacharya has also been involved in controversies over some of his political statements and actions and has faced criticism from groups on the right.

In June this year, a group of people reportedly held what they described as a “pork festival” outside Bhattacharya’s residence. Videos of the incident were subsequently circulated widely on social media. The episode was reportedly linked to a controversy dating back around a decade, when Bhattacharya had consumed beef at Dharmatala.

More recently, a video circulating on social media showed some youths associated with an organisation called “Jatir Katha” eating pork outside Bhattacharya’s residence. In another video, a youth identifying himself as the son of a Brahmin was seen carrying a tiffin box and calling Bhattacharya outside, apparently inviting him to eat pork. The youth argued that if beef could be consumed in the name of demonstrating secularism, pork could also be consumed to make a point against what he described as the appeasement of Muslims.

However, there is currently no confirmation that Thursday’s attack is connected to the earlier controversy. The circumstances surrounding the incident and the identity and motive of the attackers are yet to be established.

Hindusthan Samachar / Santosh Madhup