Kolkata, 11 February (H.S.):

Political tensions escalated in North 24 Parganas after the car of the wife of BJP MLA Ashok Kirtania from Bangaon North was allegedly vandalised on Tuesday in the Gopalnagar police station area.

The incident took place at Beldanga Chauratala when Rinku Kirtania, the MLA’s wife, was on her way to attend a local programme. She later lodged a written complaint at Gopalnagar Police Station. Police have initiated an investigation into the matter.

According to available information, several close associates of the MLA were accompanying her at the time of the incident. As news of the MLA’s visit spread, a group of villagers reportedly stopped the vehicle. Locals alleged that they questioned the MLA over alleged lack of development work in the area and his absence following a previous incident.

Villagers claimed that when questions were raised, some associates of the MLA allegedly assaulted a local resident, identified as Dibyendu Debnath. Following the altercation, an agitated crowd allegedly vandalised the vehicle. Debnath was later admitted to a hospital with injuries.

Local resident Soumen Adhikari alleged that the MLA had failed to carry out expected development work in the area, leading to public resentment.

However, BJP MLA Ashok Kirtania on Wednesday made serious counter-allegations, claiming that there was a conspiracy to attack and possibly kill his wife and family members. He stated that even the families of public representatives are not safe in the state.

Meanwhile, Bangaon organisational district Trinamool Congress president Biswajit Das refuted the allegations and said that villagers were merely questioning development issues when the MLA’s associates allegedly assaulted them.

Tension prevails in the area following the incident. Police are probing the matter and verifying the claims and counterclaims made by both sides.

Hindusthan Samachar / Satya Prakash Singh