Several police personnel were reportedly injured after a clash involving BJP and ISF workers in Jhijhirait under the Madhabpur police station area of Bhangar, West Bengal, on September 21, with police detaining three ISF leaders or workers for questioning. The incident followed an alleged attack on BJP worker Nazmul Molla and triggered protests outside the police station.
According to a report by Sangbad Pratidin – Bengal, Molla was allegedly assaulted and suffered a head injury after attending a BJP programme. BJP workers claimed that he was targeted because he belongs to a minority community and had participated in the party event. He was taken to Nalmuri Block Primary Health Centre for treatment.
BJP leaders then went to Madhabpur police station to submit a written complaint over the alleged assault. A second confrontation reportedly took place when BJP workers arrived at the police station, with ISF workers allegedly involved. Police personnel who attempted to control the situation were also reportedly pushed and assaulted, leaving several of them injured.
The incident led to repeated bouts of tension in different parts of the Madhabpur police station area. BJP leaders staged a protest outside the station, while police began questioning three ISF leaders or workers in connection with the violence.
The ISF has denied the allegations and submitted a counter-complaint. ISF leader Shahabuddin Siraji alleged that a group led by people who had joined the BJP from the Trinamool Congress attacked ISF workers. He further alleged that ISF members were attacked again when they went to the police station to discuss the matter.
Both sides have filed written complaints at Madhabpur police station. Police have begun investigating the allegations, and a large police picket has been deployed in the area because of the continuing tension. The source report did not provide details of the number of people injured or specify the sections of law applied in the complaints.
