TMC Leader Ashok Shaw killed in crude bomb attack in Bhatpara

Trinamool Congress (TMC) leader Ashok Shaw was killed in a bomb attack in Bhatpara, North 24 Parganas district, West Bengal. The incident took place near a roadside tea stall when an assailant allegedly hurled a crude bomb at Shaw. Shaw, who was a known figure in local TMC politics, succumbed to his injuries shortly after the attack. Local witnesses suggested that the attackers may have been associated with the TMC, though the exact identity of the assailants has not been confirmed.

The area of Bhatpara, situated close to the Naihati assembly seat, has witnessed a long-standing political rivalry between the TMC and the BJP. BJP leader Shankudeb Panda was quick to accuse the ruling TMC of trying to intimidate voters in the area ahead of the upcoming elections. Panda remarked that such violence could be part of an effort to manipulate electoral outcomes and disrupt the democratic process.

Somnath Shyam, the TMC legislator from the nearby Jagatdal constituency, expressed uncertainty over the incident. “We cannot say right now what happened,” he stated, indicating that further investigation was necessary to understand the circumstances surrounding Shaw's death.

Authorities have initiated an investigation into the incident, and police teams have been deployed in the area to ensure security. As of now, no arrests have been made, and the police have not provided further details about the progress of the investigation. Locals have expressed fear that the violence could escalate, especially in light of recent political tensions in the area.

The attack follows a series of politically charged incidents in Bhatpara, where both the TMC and BJP have accused each other of orchestrating violence to gain an upper hand in the electoral race.