Fresh political violence erupted in West Bengal on Thursday after multiple crude bombs exploded in the Shibpur area of Howrah, triggering panic among residents and escalating tensions days after the Assembly election results.
The violence took place in the Chaurabasti locality of Shivpur, where clashes allegedly broke out between supporters of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and the Trinamool Congress (TMC). Eyewitnesses said loud explosions shook the narrow lanes of the slum clusters as bricks, glass bottles and debris flew through the air, forcing people to run for safety.
Police and Rapid Action Force personnel rushed to the area and deployed heavy security to control the situation.
BJP Minority Cell Leader Allegedly Targeted
According to initial reports, BJP Minority Cell leader Manoj Khan was allegedly the target of the attack. During the violence, some miscreants also allegedly vandalised nearby shops, adding to the chaos in the neighbourhood.
Several people were injured in the clashes, though officials have not yet confirmed the exact number.
Howrah Police Commissioner Akhilesh Chaturvedi confirmed the incident and said police had brought the situation under control.
“A political clash had taken place, resulting in one injury. Upon receiving information about the incident, police forces immediately reached the scene and brought the situation under control,” he said.
He added, “All individuals involved in this incident will be arrested as soon as possible.”
BJP Accuses TMC of Orchestrating Violence
The BJP accused the ruling TMC of carrying out the attack as part of ongoing post-poll violence in the state.
Howrah BJP president Gouranga Bhattacharya alleged that a local man identified as Shami Ahmed, also known as “Bore”, led the attack.
“The president of our BJP minority cell in Howrah district was attacked. Shami Ahmed along with his group threw 12 to 15 bombs and fired seven to eight rounds of bullets at our workers,” Bhattacharya claimed.
He further alleged that the attack was aimed at creating fear among BJP supporters after the party’s election victory.
Local residents also claimed that multiple bombs were hurled during the clashes and gunshots were heard in the area. Police are currently verifying these allegations.
Eyewitnesses Describe Scene of Fear
A local resident who witnessed the violence described scenes of panic and destruction during the clashes.
“We were celebrating our victory when a group suddenly arrived and started abusing us. They threw bricks and bottles at us. When we tried to defend ourselves, they started firing and throwing bombs,” the witness alleged.
“A bullet passed right by me, and bombs exploded near our feet. Many people were injured and taken to hospital,” he added.
Violence Continues Across Bengal After Election Results
The latest violence comes amid a series of clashes reported from different parts of West Bengal after the Assembly election results declared on May 4.
Just hours before the Howrah incident, crude bombs were reportedly hurled at BJP workers in Panihati area of North 24 Parganas, injuring several people.
On Wednesday night, Suvendu Adhikari’s close aide and executive assistant Chandranath Rath was shot dead by unidentified assailants in Madhyamgram.
The BJP has linked these incidents and accused the TMC government of encouraging political violence in the state.
Adhikari called the current situation in Bengal “Mahajungle Raj” and alleged that attacks on BJP workers were continuing across several districts.
Police Tighten Security, Probe Underway
Police teams have started an investigation into the Howrah violence and are examining CCTV footage and witness statements to identify those involved.
Security has been increased in sensitive areas across the state as tensions continue to rise after the elections.
Officials have appealed to residents to maintain peace while investigations continue into the bomb blasts and clashes.
