EC seeks report on Bengal clash; Cops, BJP workers injured

The Election Commission has sought a report from the Director General of Police of West Bengal in connection with an incident of violence in South 24 Parganas district's Basanti on Thursday during a BJP candidate's poll campaign.

At least eight persons were arrested and five police personnel were injured when violence broke out between BJP and Trinamool workers near the Basanti Bazar area. Around 8-10 BJP workers were injured in the incident, it has been learnt. Miscreants allegedly assaulted BJP workers and attacked police personnel during the campaign of BJP candidate Bikash Sardar.

A large contingent of the Central Armed Police Forces, along with police, reached the spot following the incident, sources said.


The EC has sought a reply from DGP on why a procession was allowed without permission. It has also questioned why central forces were summoned with such a delay and why only two companies deployed.

According to EC, eight persons have been arrested while five police personnel have been injured.

A purported video showed a person being severely beaten with bamboo sticks by a group of miscreants. The authenticity of the video has not been independently verified by ET. A personnel of the Rapid Action Force was also seen running from the scene as the clash broke out. When police attempted to intervene, they were also attacked, resulting in injuries to several personnel.

"Trinamool Congress workers attacked us in a planned manner. Trinamool has joined hands with the BDO and local administration and is trying to target the BJP. They are scared of defeat. My brother was also attacked. Many vehicles were vandalised," Sardar said.