Fresh violence rocked West Bengal on Thursday after multiple crude bomb explosions triggered panic in the Shibpur slum clusters of Howrah. The blasts left several residents injured and intensified fears over the deteriorating law-and-order situation in the state following the recently concluded Assembly elections.
According to eyewitnesses, the explosions created scenes of chaos as bricks and debris flew through the air, forcing people to run for safety. Panic spread rapidly across the densely populated locality, with residents shutting shops and taking shelter inside their homes. The situation soon turned volatile, prompting heavy deployment of police personnel along with teams of the Rapid Action Force (RAF) to restore normalcy.
Initial reports suggested that Manoj Khan was allegedly the target of the attack. During the violence, unidentified miscreants reportedly attempted to vandalise nearby shops and create further unrest in the area. Several people sustained injuries in the explosions and ensuing chaos, although officials are yet to confirm the exact number of casualties.
Local residents claimed that nearly seven crude bombs were hurled during the incident. Some eyewitnesses also alleged that at least two rounds of gunshots were fired, escalating tensions in the neighbourhood. Security forces cordoned off the area and launched an investigation into the incident. Police officials stated that surveillance has been intensified and efforts are underway to identify those responsible for the violence.
The incident has sparked a fierce political confrontation between the ruling All India Trinamool Congress and the Bharatiya Janata Party. BJP leaders accused the Trinamool Congress of orchestrating the attack in the aftermath of the party’s electoral setback in the state. The ruling party, however, has not officially responded to the allegations.
The violence in Shibpur comes amid a series of disturbing incidents reported from different parts of West Bengal after the declaration of Assembly election results on May 4. Political tensions have remained high since the BJP registered a major electoral victory over the Trinamool Congress, ending the latter’s long-standing dominance in the state.
In another shocking incident on Wednesday night, Suvendu Adhikari's executive assistant Chandranath Rath was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the North 24 Parganas district. According to police, Rath was returning to his residence from Kolkata when motorcycle-borne attackers intercepted his vehicle near Doharia on Jessore Road in the Madhyamgram area and opened fire at close range before fleeing the scene.
The back-to-back incidents have raised serious concerns over post-poll violence in the state, with opposition parties demanding stricter law enforcement and accountability. Security agencies remain on alert as political tensions continue to simmer across several districts of West Bengal.
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