West Bengal: BJP worker shot dead, two detained
What's the story
A BJP worker was shot dead in West Bengal's Bhatapara of North 24 Parganas district on Sunday night, forcing authorities to step up security in the area. The worker, identified as 24-year-old Chandan Shaw, was shot dead while he was playing at Kankinara Satadal playground. According to the latest reports, police have detained two people in connection with the murder. Here's more.
Blame game
After murder, Trinamool and BJP slammed one another
After Shaw was murdered, BJP and Trinamool indulged in a war of words. While the saffron party blamed Mamata Banerjee's party for his untimely death, the latter refuted the allegations. Notably, Bhatpara assembly constituency has been witnessing violence since by-polls were held on May 19. TMC and BJP workers clashed with one another and even hurled bombs. Police had arrested 18 people.
Looking back
A few days ago, another BJP worker was shot dead
Shaw's murder comes just days after another BJP worker was killed in Nadia district. On Friday, a BJP worker named Santu Ghosh was shot outside his home. He was rushed to a local hospital but was declared brought dead. Subsequently, BJP workers blocked National Highway and railway tracks for nearly two hours on Saturday. Their protest affected train services in the Sealdah division.
Arrest
Police arrested a 25-year-old, who claimed he is innocent
Meanwhile, in Ghosh's murder case, police arrested a 25-year-old named Bharat Biswas. He was produced in court on Sunday. While being taken to court, Biswas claimed he was innocent. "I fled from the area when a boy named Laltu shot Shantu. I was very scared," he reportedly said. Further, Bengal BJP Chief Dilip Ghosh blamed Trinamool but Mamata called it a case of infighting.
Violence
Bengal voted under cloud of violence
It is important to underline that during all seven phases of elections in Bengal, BJP and Trinamool workers fought with one another. However, results brought good news for BJP as its tally went from 2 in 2014 to 18 this time. Unfortunately, the bloodshed hasn't ended even after polls concluded. Violence was reported from Bankura, Cooch Behar and other districts of the state.
Statement
Earlier today, Modi spoke about murder of BJP workers
In fact, Narendra Modi also spoke about violence during polls on Monday. The PM-elect, who steered BJP to a historic win, addressed citizens of his constituency- Varanasi. He said dozens of BJP workers were killed due to their political ideologies. "Why are our workers killed or attacked in Kashmir, Kerala or Bengal? It is shameful and anti-democratic," the 68-year-old leader said.