Kolkata, 19 April (H.S.): Tensions flared once again in West Bengal’s Bhangar area of South 24 Parganas late Friday night after unidentified miscreants vandalised and set fire to a Trinamool Congress (TMC) party office. The attack has been attributed to anti-social elements allegedly backed by the Indian Secular Front (ISF).

The incident occurred in Chak Marichaban village under the Chaltaberia Gram Panchayat. Eyewitnesses reported that a group of attackers arrived suddenly, ransacked the TMC office, and then set it ablaze. Police rushed to the spot upon receiving the information and managed to bring the situation under control. An investigation has been launched, and raids are underway to trace the perpetrators.

This fresh episode of violence follows the unrest in Bhangar earlier this week, when protests against the Waqf Amendment Act turned violent. On that day, police vehicles and motorcycles were torched, and several officers were injured. The latest attack has only heightened the area's volatility.

Heavy police deployment continued on Saturday, with heightened security measures in place to prevent further escalation. The TMC held a protest rally on Saturday condemning the attack.

Reacting to the incident, Shaukat Molla, TMC MLA from Canning East, directly blamed the ISF. “There is a deliberate conspiracy to disturb peace in Bhangar. This attack was carried out by ISF-backed miscreants who are trying to create an atmosphere of fear and unrest,” he said.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh