A BJP leader claimed that supporters of the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) attacked his car with bombs and gunfire in the Bhatpara area of North 24 Parganas district on Wednesday. The incident reportedly occurred during the Bengal Bandh called by the Opposition party.
Priyangu Pandey, who recently defected from TMC to join BJP, recounted, “I was on my way to our leader Arjun Singh’s residence… We had barely traveled a short distance when our path was obstructed by a jetting machine from the Bhatpara municipality. As soon as our car stopped, a group of around 50-60 people targeted the vehicle.”
Pandey further alleged, “Approximately seven to eight bombs were hurled at my vehicle, followed by six to seven rounds of gunfire. This is a conspiracy orchestrated by the TMC and the police. They planned to assassinate me. My security detail was withdrawn, and then this attack took place.” A video circulating on social media appears to show bullets being fired at Pandey’s car while he was inside.
Former Barrackpore MP Arjun Singh commented that two BJP leaders were targeted in Bhatpara during the bandh, which was organized to protest the police’s actions during Tuesday’s Nabanna march, which turned violent. Singh also mentioned that the car’s driver was injured in the attack.
“One of our party workers, Ravi Singh, sustained injuries. Another leader, Priyangu Pandey, was also hurt. They were on their way to my house when their car was stopped near the Ghoshpara intersection. Following this, Trinamool-backed assailants opened fire on the vehicle,” Singh said, adding, “A bullet nearly struck the driver’s forehead.”
The BJP leader accused the police of inaction during the attack, claiming they did nothing as bombs were being thrown. The injured individuals were initially treated at Barrackpore State General Hospital before being transferred to a private hospital.
