Daijiworld Media Network - Kolkata
Kolkata, May 21: Panic spread across a village in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district after crude bombs and a threatening note were discovered outside the residence of a local BJP leader on Thursday morning.
The incident took place in Shasina village, which falls under the jurisdiction of Basirhat police station, where BJP booth president Anil Baran Mallick lives. According to residents, unidentified individuals allegedly placed two crude bombs near the entrance of his house under the cover of darkness before escaping.
The situation came to light early in the morning when Mallick stepped outside and noticed the explosives lying near his doorstep. Alarmed villagers soon gathered at the scene and informed the police.
Police teams, accompanied by central security personnel stationed in the area, quickly reached the spot and safely removed the bombs. During the search, officials also recovered a threatening letter and bottles tied to the balcony grille of the house, which Mallick described as signs of repeated intimidation attempts.
Mallick, who said he has been associated with the BJP for nearly 20 years, claimed he had never faced such threats before. Although he refrained from directly naming anyone, he hinted that political hostility could be the reason behind the incident.
“They are upset because I have been serving as BJP booth president for a long time,” he said. “I did not see anyone personally, so I do not want to accuse anyone without proof. But apart from the Trinamool Congress, who else could be behind this?”
Local BJP workers strongly criticised the incident and demanded tighter security arrangements for Mallick, alleging that fear has gripped the area. BJP worker Bhaskar Chowdhury claimed that the booth had witnessed significant support for the BJP in recent polling, which, according to him, angered political rivals.
Meanwhile, police have registered a case based on a written complaint and launched an investigation. Officers are questioning local residents and trying to determine how the explosives were brought to the location and who entered the premises during the night.
Authorities said additional security has been deployed in the area, and route marches are being conducted to reassure residents and maintain order.