Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata

Kolkata, Sep 30: A tense morning unfolded in Jagatdal, North 24 Parganas, on Tuesday after a violent clash broke out between two rival groups near the residence of former BJP MP Arjun Singh, involving shootouts and crude bomb explosions. The unrest reportedly stemmed from a dispute over the control of a local Durga Puja committee, which escalated shortly after midnight.

Singh, who served as the MP for the Barrackpore Lok Sabha constituency, told media that he was at home watching television when he was alerted to the unrest erupting nearby. “Soon after, bombs were being hurled back and forth between the two groups. It went on in phases, and later, gunfire broke out as well,” he said.

He criticized the initial police response, claiming that the few officers on the ground were overwhelmed and unable to contain the violence. “It was so chaotic that even the police had to flee the spot at one point. The way bombs were thrown indiscriminately — it could have led to serious casualties or even deaths,” Singh alleged.

Amid the chaos, a vehicle belonging to Singh’s nephew, Sanjay Singh, was reportedly badly damaged while parked outside the residence.

Eventually, a large police contingent along with the Rapid Action Force (RAF) was deployed to the area, and order was restored. However, the atmosphere remained volatile throughout the day, prompting authorities to maintain a heavy security presence to prevent any further escalation.

Despite the intensity of the incident, no arrests have been made, and as of the time of reporting, no official statement had been issued by the Barrackpore Police Commissionerate. Notably, Singh’s residence has been a recurring flashpoint for clashes over the past year, reflecting ongoing political tensions in the area.