Bombs, bullets and stones fly in West Bengal's Bankra turf war
Times of India | 1 July 2024
HOWRAH: Bankra is on the boil with shots being fired and bombs thrown. A large police force, the RAF and central forces are patrolling the area led by Howrah City Police Joint CP Sabari Rajkumar K. Cops have recovered cartridge shells and unexploded bombs. Five people have been seriously injured and admitted to hospital.
Tension in Bankra's Munshir Danga Sheikh Para area escalated on Sunday over territorial control and illegal constructions.According to local sources, the conflict was between a panchayat member of Trinamool Congress and another faction of the party. Sunday morning saw heavy stone-pelting between the two sides, followed by bombs being thrown.
A video of the clash showing a person aiming a rifle from behind a house has gone viral. The situation was brought under control when the police arrived with central forces. However, there is still tension in the area. A police picket has been set up. Central forces are conducting a route march in the area.
While the Trinamool leadership is blaming the CPM, local residents say there are hardly any CPM workers or supporters in the area. There is also a long-standing dispute between the two factions over filling up 100 bighas of railway land in Mandalpara. State minister Arup Roy said that no illegal construction or filling of wetlands will be tolerated and that the Trinamool did not support such activities. He added that the police have been instructed to take action regardless of any party affiliation.