South 24 Paragnas, 27 March (H.S.): Eight people have been arrested in connection with an attack on police personnel during poll campaigning in Basanti area of South 24 Parganas district, officials said Friday.

The Election Commission has sought a detailed report from the state Director General of Police (DGP) over the incident, raising questions over deployment of central forces and alleged intelligence failure.

The incident took place when BJP candidate Vikas Sardar was campaigning in the area. According to officials, a group of miscreants armed with sticks and bamboo suddenly attacked, vandalising several motorcycles.

Police personnel who rushed to the spot to control the situation also came under attack. A sub-inspector, identified as Saurabh, was seriously injured after being chased and assaulted. He sustained head injuries and was admitted to a hospital. At least five other constables were also injured in the incident.

As the situation escalated, additional forces from Canning, Basanti and Gosaba coastal police stations were deployed. An Additional SP also reached the spot. Central forces were later requisitioned.

The Election Commission has asked why only two sections of central forces were deployed initially, why there was a delay in their arrival, and whether there was any lapse in intelligence inputs.

The incident has triggered a political row, with the BJP alleging that those arrested are linked to the ruling Trinamool Congress. The TMC, however, said that during elections, law and order is under the purview of the Election Commission, and it should take responsibility for any such incidents.

Further investigation is underway, the police said.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey