Unidentified assailants hurled bombs and opened fire outside the residence of BJP leader and former MP Arjun Singh in Bhatpara, West Bengal, late on Wednesday, police reported on Thursday.
The attack left a youth injured and triggered a chase involving Singh and his close associates.
Barrackpore Police Commissioner Ajay Thakur assured that the situation was now under control. “The situation is now under control. Those involved will not be spared... legal action will be taken against the culprits,” he stated.
Singh accused Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor Sunita Singh’s son, Namit Singh, of orchestrating the attack.
“He opened fire in front of the police. There was indiscriminate firing and bombing,” Singh alleged.
Police sources indicated that the violence stemmed from a dispute between two groups of workers at Meghna Jute Mill in the area.
TMC’s Jagaddal MLA Somnath Shyam, however, countered Singh’s allegations, accusing him and his supporters of instigating the violence. “Arjun Singh and his men attacked workers in the Meghna Jute Mill and fired bullets. The youth was shot by Singh, and three to four more people were injured in his group’s attack. We demand Singh’s immediate arrest, or we will launch a larger protest,” he asserted.
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Police sources said that Namit Singh reportedly arrived at the scene after receiving reports of unrest. Soon after, the situation spiralled out of control, leading to the exchange of gunfire and bomb explosions.
Recounting the incident, Singh stated, “Around 10:30 pm, I suddenly heard two rounds of gunshots. I was in Majdoor Bhavan with my close associates. I rushed outside and headed towards Meghna Mor. As soon as we reached the spot, miscreants opened fire at us.” Singh claimed that at least five to seven rounds were fired.
During the pursuit of the attackers, one of the assailants reportedly fell into a drain and sustained injuries.
A heavy police deployment, including Rapid Action Force (RAF) personnel, was made in the area to prevent further violence. Officials confirmed the recovery of several empty cartridges and live bombs from the scene.
The injured youth was initially treated at Bhatpara State General Hospital but was later transferred to a hospital in Kolkata as his condition worsened, police said.
Authorities have intensified patrolling in Bhatpara to avert any further escalation, police officials added.
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