Kolkata, 28 April (H.S.): Tension briefly escalated in Falta, South 24 Parganas, on Tuesday when the convoy of police observer Ajaypal Sharma faced protests from Trinamool Congress (TMC) workers. As the convoy passed in front of the TMC party office, slogans like “Jai Bangla” and “Go Back” were raised, with the demonstration led by TMC candidate Jahangir Khan.

The development comes a day after Ajaypal Sharma had visited Jahangir Khan’s residence in Falta and reportedly warned him to “be cautious.” On Tuesday morning, Sharma, accompanied by central forces, conducted a route march across various parts of the Falta assembly constituency.

After carrying out searches and assessments in the Khanpara area, his convoy encountered resistance while returning. TMC workers, led by Jahangir Khan, gathered on the road and staged a protest, briefly halting some vehicles at the rear of the convoy due to intense sloganeering.

Reacting to the incident, Jahangir Khan alleged that there were no valid complaints against him or his supporters, and accused the police of attempting to create fear among TMC workers and voters. He claimed that the officer was acting at the behest of the BJP and trying to disturb the otherwise peaceful atmosphere of the area.

He further alleged that people were being intimidated and that there were reports of voters being picked up from the area. Khan also stated that Falta is the political stronghold of Abhishek Banerjee and asserted that the people there would not be intimidated. He added that voters would respond appropriately on polling day.

The situation remained tense for some time but later returned to normal.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey