Howrah, June 18: Tensions are high in the Paikpara area of the Antila Gram Panchayat in Howrah district, West Bengal, following a violent clash between supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). The incident resulted in the death of a BJP worker, while three others sustained injuries and are currently receiving treatment at a local hospital.
Reports indicate that Sheikh Mafizul Islam, the deputy head of the Antila Gram Panchayat, had left the area after the assembly election results were announced. Upon news of his return on Thursday night, around 8 to 10 BJP workers arrived on motorcycles and surrounded his residence. This led to a confrontation between the deputy head’s supporters and the BJP workers.
The situation escalated quickly, with both sides engaging in a violent brawl using sticks, rods, and other weapons. During the altercation, BJP worker Prashant De, aged 50, was severely injured and was rushed to Uluberia Mahakuma Hospital, where he was pronounced dead by doctors. Three other BJP workers were also injured in the clash.
Upon receiving information, police from the Bagnan station, along with central forces and senior officers, arrived at the scene. In response to the escalating tension, police pickets were established in the area. A heavy police presence, led by the Howrah Rural Police Superintendent, assessed the situation. Several individuals have been detained, but some accused, including Sheikh Mafizul Islam, remain at large, with efforts underway to locate them.
The BJP has accused TMC supporters, led by the deputy head, of creating an atmosphere of fear in the region. Meanwhile, state minister Umesh Rai stated that strict action would be taken against anyone found guilty in the incident to prevent such occurrences in the future and instill a sense of lawfulness among the public.
In the wake of Prashant De’s murder, his family is engulfed in grief and anger. They are demanding severe punishment for the culprits, including a death sentence.
Family members reported that when Prashant did not return home late that night, they attempted to contact him multiple times. Initially, there was no response, but later, a person who answered the phone allegedly informed them that their relative had been killed and instructed them to come and collect the body. This news plunged the family into mourning and chaos.
According to relatives, after receiving the information, they rushed to the scene with neighbors. The police arrived late that night and transported the injured to the hospital, but unfortunately, the doctors were unable to save Prashant.
The family has expressed concerns for their safety, stating that such incidents create a climate of fear among ordinary citizens. They allege that their relative was lured and murdered in a premeditated manner.
The family is urging the state government and administration to conduct a fair and prompt investigation into the case. They have also appealed to the Chief Minister to intervene and ensure strict action against the offenders, demanding the harshest possible penalties.
The police have initiated an investigation and are examining all aspects of the incident. Officials have stated that appropriate legal action will be taken against the guilty based on the findings of the investigation.
As of now, a senior officer from the Howrah Rural Police has reported that eight individuals have been arrested, and cases are being registered against them. Police and central forces remain deployed at the scene to prevent any further incidents.
The investigation is ongoing, with authorities looking into whether the main accused, Mafizul, has any political affiliations. The body is undergoing a post-mortem and will be handed over to the family afterward.
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