Bombs hurled at BJP MP Arjun Singh’s house in West Bengal, probe on | Kolkata - Hindustan Times
close_game
close_game

Bombs hurled at BJP MP Arjun Singh’s house in West Bengal, probe on

By, Hindustan Times, Kolkata
Sep 09, 2021 05:22 AM IST

According to the police, around six to seven people came out of Mazdoor Bhavan, Singh’s residence-cum-office in Bhatpara, early on Wednesday and allegedly assaulted a man sitting at a tea stall nearby.

At least three crude bombs were hurled by miscreants outside the residence of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) MP Arjun Singh in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday, police said, adding that two persons were detained in connection with the matter.

Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arjun Singh. (HT Archive)
Bhartiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Arjun Singh. (HT Archive)

The legislator from Barrackpore was not at home and no one was injured in the incident.

Hindustan Times - your fastest source for breaking news! Read now.

According to the police, around six to seven people came out of Mazdoor Bhavan, Singh’s residence-cum-office in Bhatpara, early on Wednesday and allegedly assaulted a man sitting at a tea stall nearby. The man left the spot but returned a few minutes later with his associates who hurled bombs at the MP’s residence, they added.

“We received information that around 6:30 am, three crude bombs were hurled outside Mazdoor Bhavan. We have received a complaint. An investigation is underway. Two persons have been detained,” a senior police officer in Barrackpore said on condition of anonymity.

Eyewitnesses said that two crude bombs hit the main gate of Singh’s residence and the third landed within the premises.

Reacting to the explosions, Singh told reporters: “My house was attacked soon after the party made me the observer for the Bhabanipur by-polls from where chief minister Mamata Banerjee is contesting. It was to scare me so that I would remain inside the house. Around a month ago, I had already informed the governor in a confidential report that attempts were being made to murder me.”

The BJP leader was referring to the bypolls slated for September 30 which Banerjee has to win to become a member of the assembly in order to continue in the chair. Banerjee had lost her seat to BJP’s Suvendu Adhikari with a narrow margin from Nandigram seat in the April elections. While she took oath on May 5, she has to get elected within six months to continue as chief minister.

“I want an NIA probe into the incident as I do not have faith in the state police,” the BJP legislator was quoted as saying by news agency PTI.

Extending support to his party colleague, Adhikari tweeted: “Hurling bombs at MP @ArjunsinghWB’s residence validates our allegation that the perpetrators have been assured of impunity by their handlers within WB Administration. Otherwise they won’t dare to execute such act. “However, @ArjunsinghWB is made of steel, won’t be intimidated.”

The ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) denied any involvement in the act and hinted that it could be the result of infighting among BJP leaders.

“Gandhivadi, peaceful and non-violent Arjun Singh has a long relation with bombs and bullets. The police will see which faction hurled the bombs and who is trying to seek popularity to stay afloat in the BJP. There are several equations,” TMC state general secretary Kunal Ghosh said.

Urging the police to take prompt action in the matter, Bengal governor Jagdeep Dhankhar tweeted: “Wanton violence in WB shows no sign of abating. Bomb explosions as this morning outside residence of Member Parliament @ArjunsinghWB is worrisome on law and order. Expect prompt action @WBPolice. As regards his security the issue has been earlier been flagged @MamataOfficial.”

Several allegations of post-poll violence had surfaced across the state after the election results were declared on May 2 and the TMC returned to power with a sweeping victory.

On August 19, the Calcutta high court had ordered a court-monitored CBI probe into the allegations of murder, attempt to murder and rape while it directed a Special Investigation Team to probe allegations of loot and arson during the period.

SHARE THIS ARTICLE ON
Share this article
SHARE
Story Saved
Live Score
OPEN APP
Saved Articles
Following
My Reads
Sign out
New Delhi 0C
Friday, March 29, 2024
Start 14 Days Free Trial Subscribe Now
Follow Us On