Bengal Bandh Protests: Two persons with bullet injuries admitted to hospital following clashes at Bhatpara
Times of India | 28 August 2024
NEW DELHI: Two people with bullet injuries to the head were admitted to Manipal Hospitals Broadway in Kolkata following political clashes in Bhatpara, West Bengal, on Wednesday morning. The injuries are reportedly linked to an alleged attack on BJP leader Priyangu Pandey by individuals believed to be from the Trinamool Congress (TMC).
Both injured individuals were admitted around 11.30am and are currently undergoing treatment in the hospital's Intensive Care Unit (ICU).Doctors are closely monitoring their condition and assessing the extent of their injuries. "Two persons have been admitted to Manipal Hospitals Broadway, Kolkata, at around 11.30am with bullet injuries to the head following political clashes at Bhatpara earlier today. Doctors are assessing their condition and keeping them under close observation at the ICU," said a Manipal Hospital official.
The incident reportedly unfolded when BJP leader Priyangu Pandey was on his way to visit Arjun Singh, another BJP leader. According to Pandey, his car was attacked by around 50-60 individuals, allegedly from the TMC, who threw bombs and fired multiple rounds at his vehicle. He claimed this was a planned attempt on his life, implicating both TMC and the local police.
"Today I was going to our leader Arjun Singh's residence. We moved some distance and the road was blocked by a jetting machine from Bhatpara Municipality. The moment our car stopped, around 50-60 people targeted the vehicle. 7 to 8 bombs were thrown at my vehicle and then 6-7 round firing was done. This is a joint conspiracy of TMC and the Police. They planned my murder. The police supported and gave information. My security was withdrawn and then this incident happened," Pandey said.
Pandey also noted that his driver was shot and that out of the seven people injured, two were severely hurt. "There are two people who are severely injured among the other seven," he added.
Former BJP Member of Parliament Arjun Singh also commented on the incident, claiming it was a premeditated attempt to kill Priyangu Pandey.
Meanwhile, the West Bengal police detained several BJP workers who were protesting at Kolkata's Bata Chowk in connection with the incident. Earlier in the day, workers from the Trinamool Congress staged a protest against the BJP's call for a '12-hour Bengal Bandh.' The bandh was in response to a police crackdown on a peaceful protest during the 'Nabanna Abhijan' march organized by the BJP.
The Trinamool Congress accused the BJP of attempting to create chaos in Bengal. The BJP had called for the '12-hour Bengal Bandh' after Kolkata police resorted to lathi charges, water cannons, and tear gas to control protesters during the Nabanna Abhijan Rally.
Tensions remain high in the region as political clashes between the BJP and TMC continue to escalate. Both parties accuse each other of inciting violence and contributing to the unrest. The situation is being closely monitored by both local authorities and party leaders.