Following the shooting of a BJP leader's aide, a bomb blast in Panihati, West Bengal, has injured five BJP supporters, prompting a police investigation and heightened security measures.
Key Points
- Five BJP supporters injured in a bomb blast in Panihati, West Bengal.
- The incident occurred after the shooting of a BJP leader's aide, escalating political tensions.
- Police are investigating the bomb blast and reviewing CCTV footage.
- The BJP alleges the Trinamool Congress is behind the attack, which the TMC denies.
- Increased police presence in Panihati to maintain peace and prevent further violence.
Five Bharatiya Janata Party supporters have been injured allegedly in a bomb blast in Panihati in West Bengal's North 24 Parganas district, police said on Thursday.
The incident occurred late on Wednesday night, hours after Chandranath Rath, a close aide of BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, was shot dead by motorcycle-borne assailants, which led to the saffron camp accusing the TMC of unleashing retaliatory violence.
Investigation Launched After Bombing
The bomb blast occurred near St Xavier's Institution in Panihati. Unidentified assailants hurled crude bombs at a group of BJP workers, injuring at least five people, police said, adding the injured were admitted to the RG Kar Medical College and Hospital in Kolkata.
According to local sources, BJP workers were interacting with residents on Dutta Road in Panihati's Ward number 2 when a group of motorcycle-borne persons allegedly targeted them with bombs before fleeing.
Political Accusations and Denials
The BJP alleged that the attackers were backed by the ruling Trinamool Congress, an allegation denied by the Mamata Banerjee-led party.
A senior police official said, "We have started an investigation and are examining CCTV footage from the surrounding areas to identify those involved. Raids are being conducted to nab the accused."
Increased Security Measures
A heavy police deployment has been made in the area.
"We are maintaining strict vigil and appealing to people not to spread rumours. Necessary steps are being taken to maintain peace," the officer added.
Incidentally, the area where the blast occurred is located near the residence of newly elected BJP MLA Ratna Debnath, the mother of the RG Kar Hospital rape victim.
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