North 24 Paragnas, 27 April (H.S.): Tension escalated in Bhatpara of North 24 Parganas district late Sunday night, just ahead of the second phase of polling in West Bengal. Reports of firing and bomb attacks emerged outside the residence of BJP candidate Pawan Singh, son of former MP Arjun Singh. A Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) jawan, deployed as his security guard, was injured in the incident and has been admitted to a hospital.

The chain of events reportedly began on Sunday evening. According to allegations, a Trinamool Congress worker, Bittu Mahato, was putting up party flags and banners at Atchala Bagan in Jagaddal when BJP supporters allegedly assaulted him. The injured worker, accompanied by TMC leaders including Saurabh Singh, Gopal Raut, and Debajyoti Ghosh, went to Jagaddal police station to lodge a complaint.

It is reported that Arjun Singh soon reached the police station with his supporters after learning about the situation. An argument broke out between the two groups, which soon escalated into scuffles and clashes. As the night progressed, the situation worsened, with stone pelting reported outside the police station.

A TMC candidate from Bhatpara alleged that their workers were attacked and accused Arjun Singh of intimidation at the police station. However, BJP denied these allegations, claiming that their supporters were the ones who were attacked while trying to file a complaint.

Although the situation near the police station was later brought under control, tensions soon spread to the residence of Pawan Singh. Eyewitnesses claimed that crude bombs were hurled and at least one round of bullet was fired. During efforts to control the situation, CISF jawan Yogesh Sharma, who was on security duty, sustained a bullet injury in his leg and collapsed on the spot. He was immediately taken to a nearby hospital for treatment.

BJP has alleged that the firing was carried out by TMC supporters, while the ruling party has denied the claim and blamed BJP for the incident. The exact source of the firing is still unclear.

Following the incident, a large police force has been deployed in Bhatpara. The Election Commission has sought a detailed report on the matter.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey