West Bengal: 4 BJP workers, 1 TMC activist killed during clashes over ‘removal’ of party flags

Around five people have been killed and at least five people got injured after a violent clash between BJP and Trinamool Congress workers. According to reports, the clash between the two party workers broke out over removing party flags in West Bengal’s North 24 Parganas district

In the clash, three BJP workers were killed while 1 TMC activist also died. The clash took place at 7 pm over removing of party flags from public places in the Hatgacha panchayat area.

A huge contingent has been rushed to the spot to control the situation. The area is part of Bashirhat Lok Sabha seat which The Trinamool Congress won. However, at Hatgacha, the BJP had a 144-vote lead over the Trinamool.

The TMC supporter was identified as 26-year-old Qayyum Mollah, who was allegedly shot and hacked to death, claimed Jyotipriyo Mullick.

"When Qayyum was on his way to attend a party meeting, he was hacked at first. When he managed to free himself, he was shot dead. The BJP is trying to vitiate the atmosphere and disturb peace in the district," North 24 Parganas district president and senior state minister Mullick said.

Four BJP workers — Sukanta Mondal, Pradip Mondal, Tapan Mandal and Debdas Mondal — were shot dead when they stopped TMC supporters from "throwing away" their party flags.

"We have received the bodies of three of our workers. We have heard that two more have also died but are yet to receive the bodies. They tried to throw away our party flags and posters and when we protested, our workers were shot at point-blank range," State BJP general secretary Sayantan Basu said.

Also, BJP’s Mukul Roy (former TMC leader) accused Mamata Banerjee of the violence and killing of his party workers. “TMC goons attacked BJP workers and 4 of our workers were shot dead in Sandeshkhali, Basirhat. Their leader & CM is indulging in a reign of terror, we have sent a message to Home Minister Amit Shah ji, Kailash Vijayvargiya ji, & our state leaders,” Mukul Roy said.

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