Post-poll violence in Bengal leaves 4 dead, dozens injured | India News
KOLKATA: The assembly poll verdict in Bengal sparked violence across the state, with at least four people dead, dozens injured and party offices vandalized, as rival cadres of the Trinamool Congress and the BJP clashed in several districts overnight. Two deaths were reported in Kolkata within 24 hours. In Beleghata, Trinamool poll agent Biswajit Patnaik, 45, was found bleeding on his doorstep after coming out after a phone call. Police suspect that he was chased, tried to escape over the roof and fell, although his family alleged that he was dragged out and beaten. “They broke down the door and assaulted him mercilessly. The neighbors were too scared to help,” said a relative. The murder is under investigation. The BJP has denied any role. A police officer said, “He fell on a faucet. It broke and he got blood. That’s why blood was coming from his nose and ears, but the family members could not see the blood at the spot.” The killing has revived memories of the 2021 post-poll killing of BJP activist Abhijit Sarkar in the same area, a case now under CBI investigation. The CBI named 20 suspects, including former Trinamool MLA Paresh Pal, in the supplementary chargesheet, which led to arrests in 2025 and even judicial custody of police officers. Hours later in New Town, about 12 km northeast of the city centre, BJP activist Madhu Mondal, 46, died after clashing with Trinamool Congress supporters. Police said he was pushed and kicked during a clash over control of the party office. He collapsed and was declared dead at the hospital. As tension broke out, the accused fled, ransacking his house. The violence quickly spread across Calcutta. From Behala to Kalighat and Shyampukur, party offices were attacked, flags vandalized and cars vandalized. In Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee’s Bhavanipur constituency, a councilor’s office was vandalized and set on fire. Across several wards, TMC offices were encroached or defaced, with BJP flags hoisted. At Calcutta University on College Street, clashes erupted as posters were torn down and student workers were assaulted, several injured. Rival parties have blamed it. Police said the situation was “under control” and warned against misinformation online. Beyond the capital city, the violence spread widely. In Udayanarayanpur, about 35 km southwest of Kolkata, BJP activist Yadav Bar (45) was allegedly beaten to death. Police have arrested four suspects over possible personal disputes while investigating political motives. Central forces have been deployed. In Nanur, about 160 km northwest of Kolkata, TMC worker Abir Shaikh (45) was hacked to death. His family blamed BJP workers. The BJP rejected the allegation, terming it as factional enmity. Fresh clashes have been reported in Jalpaiguri as well.
