Chaos Erupts: Explosives and Gunfire Target BJP Leader’s Home in Bengal

Late Wednesday night, chaos broke out in West Bengal’s Bhatpara as unidentified attackers lobbed bombs and unleashed gunfire outside the home of BJP leader and former MP Arjun Singh, according to local police. The violent assault left a young man wounded, prompting a swift response from Singh and his aides, who pursued the fleeing culprits. Authorities reported that calm has since been restored, with Barrackpore Police Commissioner Ajay Thakur vowing strict legal action against those responsible, stating, “The situation is now under control. Those involved will not be spared.”

The incident, which police linked to a clash between rival worker groups at the nearby Meghna Jute Mill, quickly spiraled into a political firestorm. Singh pointed fingers at Namit Singh, son of Trinamool Congress (TMC) councillor Sunita Singh, alleging he orchestrated the attack and fired shots in full view of law enforcement. “There was indiscriminate firing and bombing,” Singh claimed. In contrast, TMC’s Jagaddal MLA Somnath Shyam accused Singh and his followers of sparking the violence, asserting that they shot the injured youth and wounded several others during an assault on mill workers. Shyam demanded Singh’s arrest, threatening broader protests if justice isn’t served.

The confrontation unfolded around 10:30 p.m., Singh recounted, when he heard gunshots while at Majdoor Bhavan with associates. Rushing toward Meghna Mor, he said his group came under fire, with five to seven rounds discharged by the assailants. In the ensuing chase, one attacker reportedly fell into a drain and was injured. A heavy police presence, including Rapid Action Force personnel, descended on Bhatpara, recovering spent cartridges and live bombs from the scene. The injured youth, initially treated at Bhatpara State General Hospital, was later transferred to a Kolkata facility as his condition worsened, while patrols were ramped up to prevent further unrest, officials confirmed.