Howrah: BJP-TMC clash; several injured, many vehicles vandalized
Several people were injured and many vehicles vandalized as BJP and Trinamool Congress supporters clashed in West Bengal's Howrah district on Saturday. Crude bombs were hurled during the street fight at Bally, triggering panic. Besides, a few bikes and a police vehicle were vandalized, officials said. BJP alleged that a party member was shot at, while some were beaten with rods and sticks.
Earlier, TMC had suspended MLA Dalmia for alleged anti-party activities
On Friday, Bally MLA Baishaki Dalmia was suspended by the TMC for alleged anti-party activities, hours after Domjur MLA Rajib Banerjee resigned as a minister from the Mamata Banerjee government. BJP claimed that party member Promod Dubey received a bullet injury in a firing at Abhra Sen Street. He was rushed to the Howrah hospital. The police is yet to confirm the firing.
Police is taking appropriate measures to prevent any further violence
After the violence, a number of precautionary measures have been put in place. Police said that a huge contingent has been deployed in the area to control the situation and prevent any further flare-ups between the two parties.
TMC claims BJP tried to extort money and caused trouble
TMC said that some BJP members were extorting money from shops in the area, following which people protested and roughed them up. BJP men then blocked the GT Road in protest when some TMC supporters tried to remove them, triggering the violence. TMC claimed that BJP supporters hurled crude bombs and set on fire some vehicles to foment trouble in the peaceful locality.
