Two people died and 12 others including six policemen were injured in firing at Bhatpara in North 24 Parganas district, about 30 km from Kolkata, on Thursday.
A street food vendor Dharam Veer Shaw and another man named Rambabu Shaw were killed when an unidentified group opened fire at Kachhari Bazar in Kakinada.
Following the violence, Section 144 was imposed in the Bhatpara and Jagatdal areas of North 24 Parganas district. “Some anti-socials and criminals have been active in Bhatpara. Outside elements have now joined them, disrupting peace in the area. RAF personnel have been deployed,” Home Secretary Alapan Bandyopadhyay said.
Violence Continues
Earlier in the day, at around 10:45 am, two bombs were hurled near the Reliance Jute Mill and again at around 11:15 am bombs were hurled in Kachhari Bazar area.
Locals alleged that after throwing bombs, the mob started chasing people and beating them, reported The Times of India. Suddenly, someone in the mob opened fire after which at least five people fell on the road, they said. Upon arriving at the spot, the police had to fire in the air and use tear gas shells to deter the group.
However, BJP leader and Barrackpore MP Arjun Singh alleged that a person was hit when police opened fire at the crowd. “The bullet had hit him on the head. Apart from that seven more persons were injured,” said Singh.
Trinamool Congress leader Madan Mitra dismissing the allegation accused the BJP of creating terror. “The guilty should be punished otherwise the situation will go beyond control,” he said.
Post-Poll Violence
North 24 Parganas district, has witnessed a series of clashes since May 19, after Lok Sabha elections.
Earlier on June 10, the BJP workers observed a black day across West Bengal and a 12-hour ‘bandh’ over the alleged killing of party workers at Sandeshkhali in North 24 Parganas district. The state BJP workers sporting black badges took out rallies in several parts of the state.
Soon after the election results were announced, a BJP worker was shot dead on May 26, in the Bhatpara area of West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district. On May 30, another BJP supporter was killed in a village in East Burdwan district. And again on June 4, a TMC leader was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Kolkata’s Nimta locality.
Also Read: Amidst Post-Poll Violence, West Bengal Governor Calls For All-Party Meeting
