BJP, TMC supporters square off during Bengal bandh over doctor rape-murder | Kolkata News – Times of India

BHATPARA: Two men were wounded during BJP‘s 12-hour Bengal bandh on Wednesday as unidentified shooters fired at least six rounds at the car of a member of the party’s youth wing at Bhatpara in 24 North Parganas district, about 33km from Kolkata. The bandh was called in protest against the violence in Howrah and Kolkata during Tuesday’s ‘Nabanna march’, where protesters demanded the resignation of CM Mamata Banerjee over rape-murder at RG Kar.
Eight people were arrested in connection with the shooting, which left the driver and a nearby youth critically wounded. A widely circulated video clip shows six to eight armed youths firing at the vehicle in a crowded market.
BJP’s Bhatpara strongman and former Barrackpore MP Arjun Singh accused Trinamool’s Jagaddal MLA Somenath Shyam Ichini of orchestrating the attack. In response, Ichini dismissed the allegations, claiming: “They are circulating an old video, dating back to 2019, to tarnish the image of TMC as well as Bengal.”
As the day progressed, another clash broke out between BJP and Trinamool supporters near Singh’s home. A large police contingent, including personnel from RAF and Combat Force, was deployed to prevent further violence.
In Kolkata, police detained 76 BJP members for causing disruptions. Among them were BJP functionaries Locket Chatterjee, Rahul Sinha, Rupa Ganguly, Agnimitra Pal, and Sajal Ghosh, who were detained for attempting to forcibly close shops. They were released in the evening.
Business hubs like Burrabazar were affected, with many traders closing their establishments due to fears of clashes. Businessmen reported losses of several hundred crores of rupees due to back-to-back disruptions.
Intra-city commutes were less affected, with app cabs, Metro services, and 70% of buses running as usual. However, forcible blockades on train tracks led to the cancellation of around 100 local trains.