Bengal Panchayat Polls: Independent candidate's supporter shot dead, one held
A 30-year-old man was shot dead in Bhangar, West Bengal after armed men opened fire during an election rally for panchayat polls, to be held on May 14. The victim, Hafizullah Mollah was marching to support an independent candidate when suddenly firing began at the rally at around 4.30 pm. Hafizullah got shot in the mouth and died while being rushed to the hospital.
Trinamool Congress Party's strongman held
After Mamata Banerjee's instructions, a local Trinamool Congress Party's strongman Arabul Islam was arrested in connection with the murder. Police say the attackers can be Arabul Islam's loyalists. The independent candidate, whose rally was attacked, is backed by Jomi Jibika Rokkha Bahini (Land and Livelihood Protection Force) that is leading protests against a power grid station at Bhangar.
The curious case of Bhangar and agitation
This is not an isolated incident as Arabul and his supporters have repeatedly attacked villages participating in the agitation against land-acquisition. Total 9 independent candidates are fighting panchayat polls from Bhangar, but the fear of Arabul Islam is domineering. In fact, all the 9 candidates filed their nominations via WhatsApp, fearing attacks by Arabul's loyalists at nomination centres. Their EC has accepted their applications.
