Kolkata: Bullets were fired at and bombs allegedly hurled at Canning East MLA and Trinamool's Bhangar observer Saokat Molla's convoy on Saturday night, damaging a vehicle trailing his SUV. Molla blamed ISF while the latter claimed that TMC had staged the attack. Tension began on Saturday morning over wall-writing in the area. ISF supporters allegedly occupied a wall for campaign messaging. TMC workers later erased the graffiti. According to sources, panchayat samiti member Khairul Islam reached the spot and clashed with ISF workers. Two vehicles were vandalised and both sides allegedly pelted stones. At least two Trinamool workers were injured. Islam and two others were treated at Jirangacha hospital and later discharged.
On Saturday night, Molla told cops at Polerhat PS that bombs were hurled at his convoy merely 500 metres away. "Not only were bombs hurled at us, but shots were also fired at our vehicles. We crouched under the seats to save our lives. There was a clear attempt to kill me. I demand a thorough probe and strict punishment for those responsible," he said. Police later recovered two live crude bombs from a nearby field. ISF MLA Nawsad Siddique denied the charge. "TMC is trying to frame our workers. Saokat Molla orchestrated this to enhance his security cover. We demand an NIA probe into the matter so that the truth comes out," he said.
Meanwhile, Molla's security has been strengthened. Until now, his personal car had been escorted by one pilot car and three police vehicles. Now, the security arrangement has been increased to one pilot car, four police vehicles, and a police motorcycle escort. Molla receives Z-category security.