Factional Violence Erupts at Titagarh Event
A Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) worker was seriously injured in a clash between two rival factions of the party in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district late on Friday night, prompting police to use a lathicharge to restore order. The violence erupted in the aftermath of a Vijaya Sammilani organized by the Titagarh BJP Mandal, marking a significant escalation in internal tensions within the local party structure.
According to reports from Bhaskar Live, the confrontation began as workers were leaving the venue near Mamata Medical Hall. A section of BJP workers alleged that miscreants attacked them during their exit, targeting individuals associated with the event. The incident has drawn attention due to the involvement of senior party figures and the severity of the injuries sustained by one of the participants.
Disputed Roles and Allegations
Karan Seth, identified as the IT in-charge of BJP Barrackpore Mandal No. 3, was critically injured during the confrontation. Santosh Singh, the BJP Mandal president, stated that Seth was initially admitted to Barrackpore BN Bose Hospital in critical condition before being shifted to Sagore Dutta Hospital for further treatment.
Singh alleged that Transport Minister Arjun Singh had attended the Vijaya Sammilani organized by the Titagarh BJP Mandal. According to Singh, miscreants led by Sunand Hari attacked party workers after the minister left the venue near Mamata Medical Hall. Singh further claimed that Sunand Hari had recently attended the birthday celebration of MLA Kaustuv Bagchi and that Seth’s house had been vandalized in prior incidents.
Allegations regarding the cause and nature of the clash have been disputed within the party hierarchy. A section of BJP workers alleged that remarks made by Barrackpore MLA Kaustuv Bagchi about state Transport Minister Arjun Singh triggered the confrontation. These claims suggest a deeper political friction involving high-profile state leaders.
Vishal Jaiswal, the BJP district Youth Morcha president, dismissed these allegations. Jaiswal described the incident as a local dispute and disputed claims that the injured person belonged to the party's IT cell or was a long-term member of the organization. His comments attempt to downplay the political implications of the clash, framing it instead as an isolated local conflict.
Police Action and Ongoing Probe
Titagarh police launched an investigation into the violence. An investigating officer confirmed that an assault took place and that circumstances are being probed to determine the exact sequence of events and responsibility.
Police lodged a complaint against Sunand Hari for leading the attack. Authorities deployed a lathicharge to disperse the crowds and restore order following the late-night clash. The use of force indicates the intensity of the gathering and the need for immediate intervention by law enforcement to prevent further escalation.