Kolkata: Five BJP supporters suffered injuries in an alleged bomb blast that rocked Panihati in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district, heightening tensions in the area, police said Thursday.
The incident occurred late on Wednesday, merely hours after bike-borne gunmen shot dead Chandranath Rath, the personnel assistant (PA) to BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari.
According to reports, unidentified attackers lobbed crude bombs next to St Xavier’s Institution in Panihati, while BJP workers were speaking with community members on Dutta Road, Ward number 2, injuring at least five, who were taken to RG Kar Medical College and Hospital here for treatment.
The BJP has accused the TMC of abetting the assailants, claims the Mamata Banerjee’s party flatly denied.
A senior police official stated, “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.”
“We are maintaining strict vigil and appealing to people not to spread rumours. Necessary steps are being taken to maintain peace,” the officer added.
The area where incident occurred is near the house of Ratna Debnath, the new BJP MLA and parent of the RG Kar Hospital rape incident victim.
