Murshidabad, 11 April (H.S.): The convoy of Union Minister of State Shantanu Thakur met with an accident in Murshidabad on Saturday while he was on his way to attend a public meeting of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.

The incident took place in Balarampur area under Berhampore police station, where a vehicle in the minister’s convoy collided with a tractor. The impact of the collision left the front portion of the tractor badly damaged, while the convoy vehicle also sustained significant damage. Security personnel of the minister were reportedly travelling in the affected vehicle.

Police rushed to the spot soon after receiving information and brought the situation under control. An investigation has been initiated to ascertain the cause of the accident, with the tractor driver being questioned. Officials are examining whether the mishap occurred due to mechanical failure or driver negligence.

The minister, however, escaped unhurt in the incident. The accident triggered tension in the area for some time.

The incident has raised questions over security arrangements, especially in the midst of the ongoing election campaign, and has sparked a political debate.

Notably, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is scheduled to address three public meetings on Saturday — in Kalna (Purba Bardhaman), Kushmandi (Dakshin Dinajpur) and Raghunathganj (Murshidabad).

A similar incident had recently occurred involving the convoy of Adhir Ranjan Chowdhury, where a truck had hit one of the vehicles, injuring several security personnel. The Election Commission had sought a report on that incident.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey