PANIHATI, May 7 — A violent attack involving country-made explosives left five BJP supporters injured in the Panihati area of West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district on Thursday. The incident occurred near St. Xavier’s Institute on Datta Road, just hours after the fatal shooting of Chandranath Rath, a close associate of senior BJP leader Suvendu Adhikari, late Wednesday night.
Police officials stated that a group of BJP workers was interacting with local residents in Ward No. 2 when unidentified assailants on motorcycles targeted the gathering. The attackers reportedly hurled a bomb at the group before fleeing the scene. The five victims were rushed to Kolkata’s R.G. Kar Medical College and Hospital for treatment. Authorities noted that the blast site is in close proximity to the residence of newly elected BJP MLA Ratna Debnath.
“We have started an investigation and are examining CCTV footage of the surrounding areas to identify those involved,” a senior police officer affirmed. He stated that raids are currently underway to apprehend the suspects and maintained that heavy police deployment has been made to prevent further unrest. He declared that the administration is appealing to the public to refrain from spreading rumors while steps are taken to maintain peace.
The BJP has alleged that the perpetrators acted with the backing of the ruling Trinamool Congress, a claim that the state’s governing party has denied. The back-to-back incidents of violence have heightened tensions in the region. Officials affirmed that they are keeping a close watch on the situation and are committed to identifying the culprits behind both the bombing and the prior homicide of Rath.
