South 24 Paragnas, 27 April (H.S.): Political tensions intensified in West Bengal’s Bhangar Assembly constituency after an alleged attack on Trinamool Congress (TMC) candidate Shaukat Molla on Sunday night. Several TMC workers were reportedly injured in the incident. Molla has termed the attack “pre-planned” and accused the Indian Secular Front (ISF) of being behind it. However, ISF has strongly denied all allegations.
Notably, a few days earlier, TMC chief Mamata Banerjee had expressed concerns during a campaign rally about a possible threat to Shaukat Molla’s life and warned of strict action if anything untoward happened. Sunday night’s incident appears to have reinforced those concerns.
According to reports, Shaukat Molla was returning home after campaigning in the Bhangar area of South 24 Parganas when the attack allegedly took place near Chaltaberia. Following the incident, a large police force was deployed in the area to bring the situation under control.
Police sources confirmed that an investigation has been initiated and necessary action will be taken based on the complaints received. In protest, TMC workers and supporters staged a road blockade late at night.
Shaukat Molla directly blamed ISF, stating, “There is a deliberate attempt to create unrest ahead of the elections. This was a completely planned attack. Our workers have been targeted. We have lodged a complaint with the police, and the accused must be arrested immediately.”
On the other hand, the Indian Secular Front (ISF) rejected the allegations, claiming no involvement in the incident. The party countered that TMC itself is trying to create tension in the area and alleged that such claims are being made to gain sympathy ahead of the elections.
Moreover, Bhangar Assembly constituency has long been considered politically sensitive, with a history of clashes and unrest. As the elections approach, tensions and political confrontations appear to be escalating.
The incident has once again raised concerns over law and order in the run-up to the polls. However, the administration has stated that the situation is under control and all necessary measures are being taken to ensure peaceful voting.
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Hindusthan Samachar / Priyanka Pandey
