Four individuals have been arrested in connection with a violent attack outside the residence of former BJP MP Arjun Singh in Bhatpara, West Bengal. The incident, which involved the hurling of bombs and indiscriminate firing, took place late on the night of March 26, police confirmed on March 27.
A youth sustained injuries in the attack and was immediately rushed to Bhatpara State General Hospital before being transferred to a Kolkata hospital as his condition deteriorated. Police sources recovered several empty cartridges and live bombs from the crime scene, indicating the severity of the violence.
According to Arjun Singh, the attack was allegedly orchestrated by Namit Singh, son of TMC councillor Sunita Singh.
“He opened fire in front of the police. There was indiscriminate firing and bombing,” Singh claimed, adding that he and his aides chased the attackers, forcing them to flee. During the chase, one of the assailants fell into a drain and sustained injuries.
Detailing the sequence of events, Singh stated, “Around 10:30 pm, I suddenly heard two rounds of gunshots. I was in Majdoor Bhavan with my close associates. I rushed outside and headed towards Meghna Mor. As soon as we reached the spot, miscreants opened fire at us.”
Singh further alleged that the violence was premeditated and politically motivated, targeting him for his political affiliations.
Trinamool Congress (TMC) leaders refuted Singh’s claims, instead blaming him for the violence. Jagaddal MLA Somnath Shyam accused Singh and his men of instigating the attack.
“Arjun Singh and his group fired at workers in the Meghna Jute Mill. The injured youth was shot by Singh’s men, and three to four others were injured in the chaos. We demand his immediate arrest or we will escalate our protest,” Shyam said in a strong statement.
Police sources suggested that the clash initially stemmed from a dispute between two groups of workers at Meghna Jute Mill, which escalated when Namit Singh arrived at the scene. Shortly after, gunfire and bombing ensued, leading to widespread panic in the area.
Authorities have since heightened security in Bhatpara to prevent further unrest. Barrackpore Police Commissioner Ajay Thakur assured that strict action would be taken against those involved.
“The situation is now under control. Those responsible will not be spared… legal action will be taken against the culprits,” Thakur said.
The police continue their investigation, questioning suspects and reviewing CCTV footage to ascertain the full sequence of events leading to the attack. More arrests are expected as the probe progresses.
