Widespread violence, arson and vandalism were reported from several parts of West Bengal as political tensions escalated sharply, with allegations emerging of attacks on political offices, religious sites, shops and civilians during clashes involving Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) workers and rival groups.
According to reports emerging from affected districts, a statue of Russian revolutionary Vladimir Lenin was allegedly smashed during the unrest, while a mosque was reportedly attacked in one of the violence-hit areas, triggering further tension.
Several offices belonging to the ruling Trinamool Congress (TMC) were allegedly set ablaze, while multiple TMC workers were reportedly assaulted and injured during the clashes. Eyewitnesses and local reports also spoke of shops being torched and widespread vandalism in commercial areas.
In a separate incident that drew public attention on social media, allegations also surfaced that livestock, including sheep, were stolen amid the disorder in certain localities.
The violence reportedly spread across multiple pockets, with visuals circulating online showing burning structures, damaged property and street confrontations. Authorities were deployed in affected areas to restore order, though opposition parties accused the administration of failing to contain the situation in time.
The ruling TMC accused BJP workers of orchestrating what it described as “organized hooliganism” and attempts to destabilize peace in the state. BJP leaders, however, accused the ruling establishment of selectively targeting opposition workers and politicizing the violence.
Police officials said several incidents of arson, assault and vandalism had been reported and investigations were underway. Security deployment was intensified in sensitive areas to prevent further escalation.
The clashes have once again intensified political confrontation in West Bengal, a state that has witnessed repeated episodes of electoral and post-political violence over recent years. [KNT]
© Kashmir News Trust (KNT). Unauthorized use without attribution is prohibited.
