EC Imposes Section 144 in West Bengal’s Bhatpara Due to Post Poll Violence
The Election Commission of India on Monday said that Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been imposed in Bhatpara Assembly segment of West Bengal's North 24-Parganas district
Bhatpara, May 20: The Election Commission of India on Monday said that Section 144 of the Criminal Procedure Code (CrPC) has been imposed in Bhatpara Assembly segment of West Bengal's North 24-Parganas district following clashes between All Indian Trinamool Congress and Bharatiya Janata Party supporters since Sunday evening, May 19. BJP Accuses WB Police of Colluding with Anti-social Elements.
The Section-144 which prohibits an assembly of more than 4 people in an area has been imposed for undefined time-period to combat post-poll violence. Bhatpara yesterday turned in a virtual battle zone. Bombs were hurled, shops and residence were ransacked and TMC candidate Madan Mitra's car was vandalised.
Tweet by ANI:
“I had a narrow escape while my driver took a sharp turn towards Kantadanga Road to save me from bombing. Arjun Singh’s men attempted to kill me but that cannot stop me from protecting my supporters,” Mitra said. According to reports, around 70 people in connection with the incident have been arrested since last night. Mamata Banerjee Blames BJP For Communal Violence in West Bengal, Hits Out at Election Commission.
Arjun Singh, who fought parliamentary elections from Barrackpore, whose son, Pawan, is Bhatpara BJP candidate, protested his innocence. Singh countered the charge by saying that despite not being a local of this region, Mitra is inciting trouble here with the help of TMC cadres from Kamarhati.
The condition turned tense since Saturday after Singh alleged that bullets were fired at him when he was crossing Arya Samaj intersection. The condition became agitated on Sunday morning, when two vehicles carrying some people entered Arya Samaj intersection. They were stopped by saffron party supporter, who allegedly dragged them out and thrashed them. Both the vehicles were set on fire, resulting in clashes.
On Sunday afternoon, the condition took a worse turn, when Mitra was leaving Katapukur. The crowd around him suddenly started to run, as bombs were being hurled. In the day, many scuffles were reported from the region. Several vehicles, and godowns were set on fire, houses and shops were ransacked. Later, Central forces lathi-charged to bring the condition under control.
(The above story first appeared on LatestLY on May 20, 2019 09:00 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com).