Kolkata, 22 April (H.S.): Tensions escalated in West Bengal’s Dantan area of Paschim Medinipur district after a violent clash broke out during an election campaign, leaving several people injured ahead of the first phase of Assembly polls.

According to reports, the incident took place during a BJP bike rally passing through the Mohanpur area. A group of alleged miscreants attacked the rally, resulting in injuries to multiple BJP workers, including party candidate Ajit Kumar Jana.

Eyewitness accounts and party sources claimed that several motorcycles were vandalised during the violence. Some of the injured were taken to nearby hospitals, while one critically injured person was reportedly shifted to a hospital in Balasore, Odisha for treatment.

The BJP has accused Trinamool Congress (TMC) supporters of carrying out the attack, alleging that the rally was deliberately targeted. However, local TMC leaders denied the allegations and countered that the clash was triggered due to provocation by BJP workers.

Following the incident, BJP workers staged protests and reportedly blocked a state highway, demanding immediate arrests of those responsible. Police and security forces rushed to the spot, brought the situation under control, and launched an investigation.

The clash occurred just days before the first phase of polling, raising fresh concerns over law and order in the region.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey