After Birbhum violence, 2 TMC leaders attacked in separate incidents
Two Trinamool Congress leaders were reportedly attacked in West Bengal in two separate incidents, a few days after a TMC panchayat leader was murdered in Birbhum district, resulting in an arson attack killing eight people. Roopa Sarkar, the newly-elected councilor of Hooghly's Tarakeswar, was reportedly rammed by a car, while Sahadev Mandal, a local TMC leader was injured in a firing incident on Wednesday.
Why does this story matter?
On Tuesday, eight people were burned alive in Rampurhat village in West Bengal after their residences were set ablaze. The incident occurred shortly after the alleged assassination of TMC panchayat leader Bhadu Sheikh using crude bombs. The state government has formed a Special Investigation Team (SIT) led by ADG CID Gyanwant Singh to investigate the incident. Twenty-two people have been arrested so far.
What is the condition of Roopa Sarkar?
Roopa Sarkar is currently hospitalized, and her condition has been termed critical. According to the police report, Sarkar was riding a bike home when she was hit by a Maruti van from behind and was taken to the hospital with serious injuries. She claims it was an assassination attempt. The police have launched an investigation into the incident.
What happened to Sahadev Mandal?
Sahadev Mandal a local TMC leader and the husband of Bogula Gram Panchayat member Anima Mandal, was shot at in West Bengal's Nadia on Wednesday night. Locals rescued an injured Mandal and took him to Bagula Health Center, according to an India Today report. He was further transferred to the Krishnanagar Shakti Nagar Hospital when his condition worsened.
Recent attacks on civic representatives
The two incidents are yet another instance in which newly elected civic body representatives have been attacked in West Bengal. A TMC ward councilor was recently murdered in Panihati. Similarly, a Congress councilor was also assassinated in Jhalda.
Bengal government under attack by opposition
Opposition BJP has strongly attacked the state government over the deteriorating law and order situation after the Birbhum violence. The Bengal BJP also filed a public interest litigation (PIL) in the Calcutta High Court, demanding a CBI and NIA investigation into the Birbhum incident, as well as compensation for the victims. The case is expected to be heard by the court later this week.
Bengal CM to visit Birbhum
Separately, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee is set to visit the Rampurhat area of Birbhum where violence had broken out. Reportedly, the state government is now installing CCTV cameras in the area after the Calcutta High Court's Wednesday order.
